Final Exam Kathryn Boardman Sally Bashalany ENGN240zz Final Exam September 21, 2011

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The literature of early America started with the stories of the Native Americans and the people who met with them. The Pilgrims were the first permanent settlement in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. The Puritan Great Migration to the Massachusetts Bay Colony occurred during 1630 - 1643. New England Puritans rigidly controlled the seventeenth-century domestic printing trade, which is why most early American published documents were written by Puritans or adhered to Puritan doctrine (Leonard 8-9). This was until the Age of Enlightenment or Age of Reason came into effect during the eighteenth century. It had an impact on our revolution and the Puritan decline (Bashalany, virtual classroom 28 February 2011). The Revolutionary style was succeed by Romanticism, a time for greater change. This continued until the Civil War occurred, and it is thrilling to read in important American literature. Native American literature is important since the existence over their oral past is a triumph. The Native Americans did a great job in keeping their accounts, sermons, cultures, and stories accurate. The unique symbolic nature of the oral tradition provides a very different perspective on language and literature overall, which in itself leads to a great deal of respect for Native American storytelling and culture. This style of storytelling has carried over into written literature by the Native Americans, such as in the Iroquois Constitution. The nature of the language in this document provided a basis for our constitution, as well as fluent and natural literature that appreciates the world around us. The art of storytelling truly allows the storyteller

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to express to the audience a complex intimacy through the simple use of words (Boardman, discussion board, 28 January 2011). For example, We place you upon those seats, spread soft with the feathery down of the globe thistle, there beneath the shade of the spreading branches of the Tree of Peace (Parker 33). The peaceful relationship that Native Americans shared with the environment is clearly expressed in both oral tradition and written literature, and to this day set the stage for that type of relaxing, meditative stories. Many tribes were nomadic and for generations the only way of passing traditions and stories was orally. The Iroquois League Constitution of the Five Nations is the first example introduced in Literature of Early America as a preservation of oral documentation. Arthur C. Parker was bestowed upon by the state of New York and the Iroquois to write an English version of their constitution (Leonard 33). As a Native American document it varies from the American constitution that it is similar to. This has many analogies and metaphors of nature, while the one written by Thomas Jefferson does not. If the Iroquois League had not transcribed their document into writing, we would not be able to see how our government structure is comparable to theirs. It is important that the natives preserved the stories that they did because, current and past generations would have no accurate information. Some speeches, treaties, poems, and narratives, transcribed and translated by various sources at various points, remain to partially provide the Native American perspective (687). Few reliable Native American written texts exists. Samson Occoms autobiography serves significant awareness to the life of the first bestselling Native American author. Occoms work describes the inequality and privation that Native Americans faced living in a white mans society. We learn that he is paid significantly less than other missionaries. A single man in one year made 100 pounds, while Occom, a married man

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with a large family was only given 180 pounds for twelve years. It shows us a first and second hand account of racism happening for his explanation on both accounts are I believe it is because I am a poor Indian (Occom 452). Although his definite style besides Christian is never stated, it would seem that he is a devoted Calvinist since he attributes I cant help that God has made me so; I did not make myself so (Occom 452). Calvinists believe, the original sin, had stained all mankind and God is the director of their lives (Leonard 7). The Puritans were some of the few, along with the Pilgrims, to first make the voyage across the Atlantic. They came to the New World hoping to purify the Church of England, establishing a colony based on Bible law (Leonard 6). They wanted to literally live by the word of God, applying it to every aspect in their life, making themselves reflections of God into life on the farm and in the town (6). New England Puritans believed that every person was born sinful because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, the original sin (7). This is illustrated in Edward Taylors poem Upon a Spider Catching a Fly, To tangle Adams race / Ins stratagems / To their destructions, spoiled, made base / By venom things, / Damned sins (Taylor 196). Idealistically the perfect Puritan was one who followed the Bible, in thought, word, and deed. Edward Taylors poetry and sermons helped reflect this nature to their lifestyle. Taylor believed in total depravity and of the omnipotent God could redeem their souls, as did all Puritans. This would encourage his poetry to reflect complete devotion to religion. In Huswifery through his deep metaphors he preaches: Then clothe therewith mine understanding, will, Affections, judgment, conscience, memory,

Final Exam My words and actions, that their shine may fill My ways with glory and Thee glorify. Then mine apparel shall display before Ye That I am clothed in holy robes for glory. (Taylor 198).

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This symbolizes the nature of Puritans, to always be spiritually dressed and prepared to face God. All aspects of the Puritans life must edify God Another basic concept of Puritan ideology was pragmatism, the practicality of the writing, its purpose (Bashalany, virtual classroom 31 January 2011). Taylor was a Puritan minister, whose poetry often served his purpose of writing sermons. The style was simple; it has a basic purpose to encourage his people to follow Gods will. In Upon Wedlock and Death of Children Its weddings knot, that neer can be untied. / No Alexanders sword can it divide (Taylor 197). This is reminding the audience to stay true to their families and beliefs. He could see the Puritan decline was forthcoming and was trying to motivate the purity of their lives. The Age of Reason and Revolution nonfiction is popular and less religious than before. It wasnt ruling their lives as it had in the 1600s (Bashalany, virtual classroom 28 March 2011). Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln used literature of their age to communicate with the general public on topics like the revolution, and protest information in pamphlets or newspapers. Romantics frequently shared certain general characteristics: moral enthusiasm, faith in the value of individualism and intuitive perception (Leonard 691). During the Revolution prose became cultured giving into the rhythmic style of clarity, balance, and simplicity. Romanticism covers the early to middle ninetieth century (Bashalany, virtual classroom 11 April 2011). The Age of Reason first developed in England, and finally came to

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the English colonies of America in the eighteenth century (Leonard 331). These Romanticism styles can be found in the works of those famous men. The Silence Dogood letters were imaginative short stories from the mind of Benjamin Franklin, published by his brother in the newspaper The New England Courant. Franklin is ahead of his time for his narrative is not of himself but, Mistress Dogood for example, I have now remained in a state of widowhood for several years, but it is a state I have never much admired, and I am apt to fancy that I could be easily persuaded to marry again (Franklin 424). Written in the Age of Reason this story could easily be misplaced into the category of Romanticism style. The literature during that time was less didactic and more for pleasure, such as the Silence Dogood letters. Franklin was the mastermind behind the Maxims printed in his popular almanac. The Maxims where full of symbolism, such as A good wife and health, Is a mans best wealth (Franklin 431). This is one of the simpler Maxims to interpret, a mans wealth is not bought or valued in gold but in the good fortune that surrounds him. The fact that Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence is well known. Here it is written about the King of Britain, He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He continues with the discrepancies of the King by also stating, He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly and continually for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of people (Jefferson 557). These statements signify that the thirteen colonies should be free from the grip of Great Britain. They draw parallel to the style used during the Romanticism period because, there was a presumption that the natural world is a source of goodness and human society is a source of corruption (Leonard 691).

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Romanticism reflects a movement toward arts, humanities, nature, emotion and rebellion. Jefferson in the ending clause has emotionally summed up the need to unite before sending forth his rebellious doctrine. Early to middle ninetieth century style is noticed in his Declaration of Independence here, And for the support of this declaration [, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence] we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor [sic] (Jefferson 560). While the 1840s are known as the age of the common man, which takes an egalitarian approach in that all white men are equal (Bashalany, virtual classroom 11 April 2011), Jeffersons style from 1776 is indubitably identical. Abraham Lincoln came to presidency during an irresistibly rough time for this country, the Civil War. Lincoln was an orator and generally wrote in the prose style. Prose had faded out for common literature during the Romanticism movement, but he held true to his Revolutionary ambitions. He is easily compared to Benjamin Franklin as one of the most influential of all colonial American writers. Franklin was a man of reasonable science of virtue (Leonard 332). Lincoln knew he was writing for the public, as his precursors Jefferson and Franklin were familiar with. Gettysburg Address has powerful tone and style. It held true to the clear sense and mathematical plainness, which the Age of Reason writing exhibited (Leonard 333). We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live (Lincoln 1989). It is clear he is standing for the equality of men, just as Jefferson did. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote, Uncle Toms Cabin subject to the divine direction of God. Uncle Tom and Eliza are two slaves that, until the most recent events of this book, are owned by Mr. and Mrs. Shelby. Mr. Shelby unfortunately, has extensive debt, and this is seen as an advantage to a slave trader named Haley. The rascal trader, he is sometimes referred to, is

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willing to lessen the burden of debt by taking Tom and Elizas son Harry from Mr. Shelby. This stir of the household is not taken lightly and affects everyone in different ways. The two characters are favorites of their masters. Eliza overhears the news first, she wanted to stay and eavesdrop on the trade conversation but her mistress called out to her, and she was obliged to hasten away (Stowe 1890). When Eliza confronts Mrs. Shelby on the topic she is astounded and confident in saying she would as soon have one of my own children sold (1891). She is of upper class, both psychologically and virtuously, to which her practical self is able to relate with the lesser in social status, such as Eliza. Although Eliza never pertains to herself as a Christian woman, her master does, and it is read during Elizas struggle that she prays out loud asking for guidance, and blesses those who aid her along the way. Tom is faithful to Master Shelby, Tom has had options to escape prior this event. When he was encouraged by others to run, his response was master trusted me, and I couldnt (1885). Mr. Shelby whole heartily trusts Tom for he is a Christian, he knows he would not cheat, and believes him to be a good, steady, sensible, pious fellow (1885). Tom worries that with his absence the master will lose his extra set of eyes and things will be kinder goin to rack [sic] (1896). Chapter Seven The Mothers Struggle begins with Eliza leaving Uncle Toms cabin completely distraught, miserable, and abandoned; on this presumption Eliza has warned Tom of the forthcoming conditions. The fates of the two slaves are contingent upon the driving force behind their decisions. Elizas motherly love to keep her family together compelled her escape, and Toms devout strength of faith in God led to his sale. From this section of the story, little is known about Elizas husband, other than his struggles and potential danger were incessantly on her mind, giving her more power and strength to take her son away from his imminent doom

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(1892). Another character in the story whose motherly sympathies were much aroused exemplifies Elizas endeavor to save her son (1894). Toms central faith and goodwill must have encouraged Elizas flight northward toward freedom. When she left his cabin he must have explained to her that his agreement in helping resolve the masters debt, would help her escape. Tom believes that praying for the slave traders is all you can do because, Pray for them that spitefully use you, the good book says (1896). He trusts the Lords grace is stronger than nature, and nature is the slave trade. In expectation of his summoning from Haley and Mr. Shelby, Tom justifies his calmness when things get tough and upsetting because, he believes man should thank God your soul is in better condition than the sinners. By reading the literature of a nation one can honestly interpret how that country developed. It is important to note the lifestyle of each individual author during the turn of the century, as everything was changing from one ideal to the next. For example, it would not have been nearly as impacting for Abraham Lincoln to write Upon a Spider Catching A Fly instead of Edward Taylor. One is capable of understanding the social, religious, and political aspects of how that country grew to be what they are today. The Native American, Puritan, Reason and Revolutionary, Romanticism, and Civil War era literature provides detailed traditions, significances, concepts, and substantial information only accessible from reading.

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Bashalany, S. Jan 31, 2011 7:00:17 PM EST. Blackboard Academic Suite. Community College System of New Hampshire, 31 Jan. 2011. Web. 3 May 2011. Bashalany, S. Feb 7, 2011 7:01:16 PM EST. Blackboard Academic Suite. Community College System of New Hampshire, 7 Feb. 2011. Web. 3 May 2011. Bashalany, S. Feb 28, 2011 7:00:08 PM EST. Blackboard Academic Suite. Community College System of New Hampshire, 28 Feb. 2011. Web. 5 May 2011. Bashalany, S. Mar 28, 2011 7:00:31 PM EST. Blackboard Academic Suite. Community College System of New Hampshire, 28 Mar. 2011. Web. 3 May 2011. Boardman, K. "Native American oral tradition and literature." Blackboard Academic Suite. Community College System of New Hampshire, 28 Jan. 2011. Web. 3 May 2011. Franklin, Benjamin. Silence Dogood, No. 2. Maxims. Leonard and McMichael 424 - 447. Print. Jefferson, Thomas. A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled. Leonard and McMichael 557 - 560. Print. Leonard, James S. and McMichael, George L., eds. Anthology of American Literature. Boston, MA: Longman, 2011. Print. Lincoln, Abraham. Gettysburg Address. Leonard and McMichael 1987 - 1991. Occom, Samson. A Short Narrative of My Life. Leonard and McMichael 447 - 452. Print. Parker, Arthur C. The Constitution of the Five Nations. Leonard and McMichael 33 - 36. Print. Stowe, Harriet B. Uncle Toms Cabin. Leonard and McMichael 1881-1901. Print. Taylor, Edward. Selected Poems. Leonard and McMichael 184 - 199. Print