american literature: test 1 Flashcards
three main themes in american literature:
- american individualism
2, the american dream - equality
what are two parts to the idea of american individualism?
- the self-made man
- celebrates ambition and achievement
in your own words, what does american individualism mean?
working hard for what you desire
definition of the american dream:
anyone can become whatever she or he wants to become through hard work, determination, and perseverance.
who embodies the first example of the american dream in american literature?
john smith
who was originally excluded from this idea when the declaration of independence was written?
africans, native americans, women
what is the melting pot theory?
immigrants assimilate into our culture and become americans
who first coined the term “melting pot?”
hector st. jean de clevecoeur
what is the salad bowl theory
immigrants retain separate identities while making up part of the whole and adopt a hyphenated american name.
native american literature dates:
pre-1620
colonial literature dates:
1620-1750
revolutionary literature dates:
1750-1815
romantic literature dates:
1800-1865
realism literature dates:
1850-1900
maturalism literature dates:
1880-1940
modernism literature dates:
1900-1950
postmodernalism literature dates:
1950-present
the native american period began an oral tradition of
songs and stories
when were the oral stories and songs recorded in writing?
after colonization
what did early colonists create and establish?
towns and new governments
what two things did early colonists want?
religious freedom and opportunities
did all early colonists travel to the new world for religious freedom?
no
when did colonists begin using the term “american?”
mid-1700s
most colonists were from __________
England
other colonists arrived from what european countries?
France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, and Spain
t/f: the colonial population included enslaved africans
true
t/f: many native american tribes were displaced due to colonial settlement
true
t/f: puritans dominate the literature of the colonial era
true
what is puritan plain style?
writing that is simple and direct
what is “theocracy?”
government in which God is recognized as the supreme authority
explain faith, original sin, work ethic, and simplicity in the colonial era:
faith: daily life
Original sin: all are corrupt and need a savior
work ethic: belief in hard work
simplicity: no frill living, Plain colors, plain hairstyles, etc.
puritan writing is ________ and __________
utilitarian, instructive
t/f: puritan writers wanted to be professional writers
false
four types of puritan writings:
sermons, diaries, personal narratives, poetry
representative authors:
- John Smith
- William Bradford
- John Winthrop
- Jonathan Edwards
- Anne Bradstreet
- Phillis Wheatley
- Olaudah Equiano
