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Notes On American Literature

01.10.2007

· American literature begins with native Americans – orally passed: songs, myths, poetry (later translated into English)
· complex, multilingual beginning

Important figures:
· Sir Walter Raleigh – traveler, Elizabeth's I lover, poet, soldier, died in Tower of London. A famous English writer, poet, courtier and explorer. He was responsible for establishing the second English colony in the New World (after Newfoundland was established by Sir Humphrey Gilbert nearly one year previously, August 5 1583) on June 4, 1584, at Roanoke Island in present-day North Carolina. When the third attempt at settlement failed, the ultimate fate of the colonists was never authoritatively ascertained.
· John Winthrop – governor of Massachusetts. led a group of English Puritans to the New World, joined the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629 and was elected their first governor on April 8, 1630. Between 1639 and 1648 he was voted out of governorship and re-elected a total of 12 times. Although Winthrop was a respected political figure, he was criticized for his obstinacy (stubborn) regarding the formation of a general assembly in 1634.

Calvin's influence:
· theory of predestination, limited redemption
· self trials to find destiny
· the only hope was faith in God
· God's goodwill – irresistible grace
· faith makes everyone good but good deeds without faith don't work
· one should follow their destiny, ex. become a farmer, following destiny will make you successful, (wealthy) but you shouldn't don't spend money, invest it!
· the holy act of making money for God

Puritans were waiting for signs, they read ‘books to read' (the Bible), interpreted it, interpreted history in their own, Puritan way. Anything could be a sign (weather conditions, Indian attacks, diseases, famine, etc.).

Puritan faith:
· grim, no paintings, no music
· sermons were extremely important as they interpreted the Bible

Michael Wigglesworth:
(1631-1705)
· wrote The Day of Doom...