KRAmericanliterature

1、literature of colonial americatable of contentshistorical introduction early american writers and poets puritan & puritanismhistorical introductionu christopher columbus discovered the american continent in 1491.u captain christopher newport reached virginia in 1607.u puritans came the new engla

2、nd area, by mayflower in 1620.u the first settlement was established in plymouth in 1620. types of writing: diaries, letters, histories, travel accounts, religious writings etc. content: serving either god or colonial expansion or both form: imitating english literary traditionsamerican literature o

3、f colonial periodsearly american writers and poets 1. north, jamestown, virginia: captain john smith-first american writer 8 works2. south, new england, puritan writerswilliam bradford: first governor of plymouth, john winthrop: first governor of boston, 3. two poets: anne bradstreet, edward taylorc

4、aptain john smith (15801631) an english soldier, sailor, and author. he is remembered for his role in establishing the first permanent english settlement in north america at jamestown, virginia.he led an exploration along the rivers of virginia and the chesapeake bay.questionsu how did captain john

5、smith started to write and publish his works?u what are the names of his literary works?u comments on captain john smith. contributions: his description of america were filled with themes, myths, images, scenes, characters and events that were a foundation for the nations literature. he lured the pi

6、lgrims into fleeing here and creating a new land.william bradford (1590 1657) 1.a leader of the separatist settlers of the plymouth colony in massachusetts.2.he was the second signer and primary architect of the mayflower compact in provincetown harbor. 3. his journal (162047), was published as of p

7、lymouth plantation. bradfords statue in plymouth rock state park, plymouth, massachusettsjohn winthrop (1587/8 1649) he led a group of english puritans to the new world in 1630, and joined the massachusetts bay company later that year, and then was elected their governor in october 1629. questionsu

8、what are the names of william bradford and john winthrop literary works?u what are their different styles?the history of plymouth plantation, simplicity, earnestness, direct reporting, readable, moving.the history of new england, candid simplicity, honesty anne bradstreet (1612-1672)anne bradstreets

9、 life* she was born and educated in england.* at the age of 18, she came to america in 1630 with her father and husband. * she had 8 children.* she became known as the “tenth muse” who appeared in america.anne bradstreets works “some verses on the burning of our house”“the spirit and the flesh”the t

10、enth muse lately sprung up in america (the first collection published by english colonists living in america)“the spirit and the flesh” in secret place where once i stood close by the banks of lacrim flood, i heard two sisters reason on things that are past and things to come. one flesh was calld, w

11、ho had her eye on worldly wealth and vanity; the other spirit, who did rear her thoughts unto a higher sphere. sister, quoth flesh, what livst thou on nothing but meditation? edward taylor (1642-1729) a new england puritan. taylor was born in leicestershire and later left england, he studied divinit

12、y at harvard, and eventually became minister of westfield, massachusetts. the first sections of preparatory meditations (16821725) and gods determinations touching his elect (c. 1680) were published in 1937.features of colonial poets1. they were servants of god.2. they faithfully imitated and transp

13、lanted english literary traditions.in english stylepuritan poetspuritanism in america1. they follow the ideas of the swiss reformer john calvin.2. doctrines:- predestination- original sin and total depravity (human beings are basically evil.)- limited atonement (or the salvation of a selected few)3.

14、 puritan values (creeds):hard work, thrift, piety, sobriety, simple tastes.puritans are more practical, tougher, and to be ever ready for any misfortune and tragic failure.they are optimistic.puritanism in america4. why did puritans come to america?- to reform the church of england- to have an entir

15、ely new church- to escape religious persecution* gods chosen people* to seek a new garden of eden* to build “city of god on earth”puritanism in america5. influence - american puritanism was one of the most enduring shaping influences in american thought and american literature.- american literature

16、is based on a myth, i.e. the biblical myth of the garden of eden.- puritanism can be compared with chinese confucianism.the literature of reason and revolution(1765-1800)revolutionary period (1776-1783)“the age of reason”“american enlightenment”1.historical introduction2.features of american revolut

17、ionary age & major writers:u benjamin franklinu thomas paineu thomas jeffersonu philip freneauhistorical introductionuindustrial revolutionuindependence waruenlightenment movementindustrial revolution1. a period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries when major changes in agriculture, manufac

18、turing, production, and transportation 2. had a profound effect on the socioeconomic and cultural conditions in britain. 3. the changes subsequently spread throughout europe, north america, and eventually the world. independence war1. the industrial growth led to intense strain with britain. the bri

19、tish government tried to suppress their growth economically, and ruled them from abroad politically and levied heavy tax on them.2. these aroused bitter resentment in colonies. constant conflicts resulted in american revolutionary war.enlightenment movementthe age of enlightenment or the enlightenme

20、nt is a term used to describe a time in western philosophy and cultural life centered upon the 18th century, in which reason was advocated as the primary source and legitimacy for authority. advocated reason or rationality, the scientific method, equality and human beings ability to perfect themselv

21、es and their society. agreed on faith in human rationality and existence of discoverable and universally valid principles governing human beings, nature and society. opposed intolerance, restraint, spiritual authority and revealed religion the signatories of the american declaration of independence,

22、 the united states bill of rights were motivated by enlightenment principles. in the 18th century, people believed in mans own nature and the power of human reason. with franklin as its spokesman, the 18th century america experienced an age of reason. words had never been so useful and so important

23、in human history. people wrote a lot of political writings. numerous pamphlets and printings were published. these works agitated revolutionary people not only in america but also around the world. the 18th-century american enlightenment was a movement marked by an emphasis on rationality rather tha

24、n tradition, scientific inquiry instead of unquestioning religious dogma, and representative government in place of monarchy. enlightenment thinkers and writers were devoted to the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality as the natural rights of man. the colonists who would form a new nation were f

25、irm believers in the power of reason; they were ambitious, inquisitive, optimistic, practical, politically astute, and self-reliant. features of american literature & major writers: what are the features of american literature in the revolutionary period?benjamin franklin: autobiography thomas p

26、aine(1737-1809): common sense (1776)thomas jefferson(1743-1826):the declaration of independence (1776) philip freneau: “the wild honey suckle” what are the roles of these works in the revolutionary age?1. benjamin franklin (1706-1790)自傳格言歷書2. lifebenjamin franklin came from a calvinist background.he

27、 was born into a poor candle-makers family. he had very little education. he learned in school only for two years, but he was a voracious reader.at 12, he was apprenticed to his elder half-brother, a printer.at 16, he began to publish essays under the pseudonym “silence do good” .at 17, he ran away

28、to philadelphia to make his own fortune.he set himself up as an independent printer and publisher. in 1727 he founded the junto club.1. works the autobiography poor richards almanack franklins contributions to sciencehe was also remembered for effective street lighting, the franklin stove, bifocal g

29、lasses and efficient heating devices. and for his lightning-rod, he was called “the new prometheus who had stolen fire from heaven.” franklins contributions to the u.s.he was the only american to sign the four documents that created the united states: the declaration of independence, the treaty of a

30、lliance with france, the treaty of peace with england, the constitutionfranklins contributions to societyhe helped found the pennsylvania hospital. he founded an academy which led to the university of pennsylvania. and he helped found the american philosophical society. the autobiography is a record

31、 of self-examination and self-improvement. benjamin franklin was a spokesman for the new order of the 18th century enlightenment the autobiography is a how-to-do-it book, a book on the art of self-improvement. (for example, franklins 13 virtues) through telling a success story of self-reliance, the

32、book celebrates, in fact, the fulfillment of the american dream. the autobiography is in the pattern of puritan simplicity, directness, and concision.3. evaluationanalysis of selected partsa. 3 paras a. he was interested in reading as a child. b. being an apprentice to his brother, he began writing.

33、c. how he improved his argumentation. summary: franklin was thirsty for knowledge and improved his writing with practical methods. how he gained success through ones consistent effort and hard working. (self-improvement/education)b. learning club: devoted on the improvement of young man, influence p

34、ublic opinion.1.the way of learning languages;2.practice makes perfect;3.relations to his relatives; 4.learning club.summary: franklin was a practical, diligent man. in learning language, he had a great power of endurance and clever mind. he always tried his best to achieve his goal, no matter in li

35、fe or study. (self-reliance)thomas paine (1737-1809)impoverished englishmanamerican revolution propagandistimprisoned in francedied in obscuritydied in obscurityimpoverished englishman born in thetford, england, in january, 1737 failed out of school by age 12. began apprenticing for his father, a co

36、rset maker. age 19, went to sea，this didnt last too long. 1768,as an excise (tax) officer in england. published the case of the officers of excise (1772), arguing for a pay raise for officers. in 1774, met benjamin franklin in london, who helped him emigrate to philadelphia.american revolution propa

37、gandist journalism while in philadelphia. in 1776, he published common sense, a strong defense of american independence from england. joined the continental army as a soldier. produced american crisis (1776-83), an extremely popular and successful pamphlet arguing for independence from england. impr

38、isoned in france returned to europe and pursued invention in 1791-92, the rights of man in response to criticism of the french revolution. caused him to be labeled an outlaw in england for his anti-monarchist views. he fled for france to join the national convention by 1793, he was imprisoned in fra

39、nce for not endorsing the execution of louis xvi. during imprisonment, the age of reason (1794-96),an attack on organized religion freed in 1794, thanks to the efforts of james monroe, the u.s. minister to france. died in obscurity 1802 he returned to america only to find his contributions to the am

40、erican revolution had been all but eradicated due to his religious views. derided by the public and abandoned by his friends, he died on june 8, 1809 at the age of 72 in new york city.the american crisis -by thomas painequestions how does paine try to stir americans toward revolution? how does paine

41、 characterize the tories? what keeps america from being happy? why is it problematic depending upon the mercy of the enemy/the british?the american crisis a series of pamphlets published from 1776 to 1783 during the american revolution. the first volume begins with the famous words these are the tim

42、es that try mens souls. there were sixteen pamphlets in total together often known as the american crisis or simply the crisis. the writings were contemporaneous (同時期的)with the early parts of the american revolution, during the times that colonists needed inspiring.contents and themes the first was

43、released when the revolution still looked an unsteady prospect. its opening sentence was adopted as the watchword of the movement to trenton. the famous opening lines: the pamphlet, read aloud to the continental army the night before the battle of trenton, attempted to bolster morale and resistance

44、among patriots, as well as shame neutrals and loyalists toward the cause. tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. paine sees the british political and military maneuvers in america as impious; for

45、 so unlimited a power can belong only to god. paine states that he believes god supports the american cause, that god almighty will not give up a people paine maintains a positive view overall, hoping that this american crisis can be quickly resolved; for though the flame of liberty may sometimes ce

46、ase to shine, the embers can never expire. he wrote with urgency, excitement, and bold simplicity. he furnished straightforward, uncomplicated guidance for artisans, mechanics, and farmers. he carried the new philosophy to the masses of the american people, and turned the resistance movement into re

47、volt.thomas jefferson (1743-1826)upresident of the united statesufirst secretary of stateuminister to franceugovernor of virginiaa man of many accomplishments 1743: jefferson was born to a wealthy family in the piedmont . 1760-1762: jefferson was educated at the college of william and mary 1775: del

48、egate to the continental congress where he wrote the declaration of independence. 1776: entered the virginia house of delegates, where he fought for the separation of church and state. 1779: jefferson became the governor of virginia. 1783: elected to congress. 1785: appointed minister to france. 178

49、9: appointed secretary of state. 1796: vice president to john adams. 1800-1809: 3rd & 4th president of the u.s.here was buried thomas jefferson author of the declaration of american independence of the statute of virginia for religious freedom and father of the university of virginia born april

50、2 1743died july 4 1826 epitaph the three acts jefferson wished to be remembered have this in common: they all testify to jeffersons lifelong passion to liberate the human mind from tyranny, whether imposed by the state, the church, or our own ignorance.jeffersonian democracy is the ideal form of gov

51、ernment as envisioned by thomas jefferson. key elements: 1. the natural rights of men: life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and property. 2. the purpose and role of government in protecting these rights.3. the separation of church and state. jeffersonian democracy is a form of government in whic

52、h the people have the power: they are the government, and the government is them. jeffersonian democracythe declaration of independence on june 7,1776, richard henry lee of virginia proposed to the second continental congress, “free and independent states” on june 11,a committee of 5 was instructed

53、to draft. on june 28,jefferson finished the work primarily. on july 4, the declaration was officially adopted by congress.the declaration of independencethe declaration of independencefragments of the original textthe declaration of independence introduction analysis of the text of the declaration s

54、ignificanceintroductionuthe declaration of independence: not only announced the birth of a new nation, but also set forth a philosophy of human freedom which served as an important force in the western world. uit is a statement of american principles and a review of the causes of the quarrel with br

55、itain, presented the american view to the world with classic dignity. uit instilled among the common people a sense of their own importance and inspired struggle for personal freedom, self government and a dignified place in society. analysis of the declaration of independence5 sections the introduc

56、tion the preamble (序言) the indictment （控告）of george iii the denunciation （譴責(zé)）of the british people the conclusionthe introduction a single, lengthy, periodic sentence.“necessary”: the revolution was not merely preferable, justifiable, also unavoidable within the course of human events as the motions

57、 of tides within the course of natural events.the american “one people” and the british “another”: two alien people cannot be made one. the conflict might not be seen as civil war. it eased the task of invoking the right of revolution in the preamble.the preamble (序言序言) it outlines a general philoso

58、phy of government that makes revolution justifiable, even meritorious. 5 prepositions: the first 3 lead into the 4th, which in turn leads into the 5th. in syllogistic form.(三段論) it is to establish the right of revolution against tyrannical authority.george iii(reign25 october 1760 29 january 1820)ge

59、orge iii is often accused of obstinately(頑固的) trying to keep great britain at war with the revolutionaries in america, despite the opinions of his own ministers. the indictment （控告）（控告）of george iiiit falls into 3 distinct groups:1.group 1, consisting of charges 1-12, refers to such abuses of the ki

60、ngs executive power as suspending colonial laws, dissolving colonial legislatures, obstructing the administration of justice, maintaining a standing army during peacetime.2.group 2,(13-22) attacks the king for combining taxing the colonists without consent, cutting off their trade with the rest of the world, curta