Puritan Literature in America. Puritan Literature. in America. Definition: Group of Protestants who wanted to “purify” the Church of England. Suffered persecution in England.

What is the Puritan definition of colonial American literature?

Puritan Literature in America. Puritan Literature. in America. Definition: Group of Protestants who wanted to “purify” the Church of England. Suffered persecution in England.

How did Puritanism influence American society?

the Puritans as a political entity largely disappeared, but Puritan attitudes and ethics continued to exert an influence on American society. They made a virtue of qualities that made for economic success—self-reliance, frugality, industry, and energy—and through them influenced modern social and economic life.

What are the common literary themes of North America?

Terms in this set (10)

  • The American Dream.
  • Loss of Innocence.
  • Coming of Age.
  • Relationship with Nature.
  • Relationship with Society.
  • Relationship with Science.
  • Alienation and Isolation.
  • Survival of the Fittest.

Why is early American literature important?

It has helped to document the first settlers as they arrived into the New World in search for freedom, it helped to rally support as the colonists prepared for against the British, and it has helped to shape the roles diverse groups played within American society.

What are the goals of post-colonialism?

The ultimate goal of post-colonialism is accounting for and combating the residual effects of colonialism on cultures. It is not simply concerned with salvaging past worlds, but learning how the world can move beyond this period together, towards a place of mutual respect.

What is rationalism in American literature?

Rationalism is the term used to describe writers and philosophers who privilege scientific reason and logical thought over and above everything else. This is most likely directly related to the fact that American Rationalists evolved out of the tradition of Puritanism, not the class structure and Feudalism of Europe.

Why do we need to study North American literature?

American literature is very important for the education of people as it reveals the culture and history of the United States. Moreover, American literature studying in other countries gives foreigners the opportunity to get to know American culture, history, and great works of the great authors better.

What are the characteristics of colonial American literature?

Characteristics: The Colonial period was dominated by Puritan beliefs and thus literature of this period is usually historical, religious, or didactic. The first slave narratives were written at this time. Imaginative literature was rare; in some colonies, it was banned for being immoral.

What can we learn from American literature?

Studying American literature encompasses understanding society. From this study, society can only improve by analyzing the writing in any culture. American literature has produced some of the most significant prose and poetry the world has seen.