Early American Literature: A Historical Journey
Early American Literature: A Historical Journey
1. Settlement of First Colonies
John Smith (1580-1631)
The General History of Virginia
The General History of Virginia, written by John Smith (1580-1631), offers a unique perspective on the early English settlements in North America. Unlike the Spanish conquest, which relied on secondary accounts, Smith’s chronicle provides a first-hand perspective, aiming to establish his prestige and share knowledge of the New World and its indigenous inhabitants. However, it’s crucial to remember that literature shapes reality; Smith’s account, while valuable, is a constructed narrative.
- Contrasting Conquests: Smith’s work contrasts with the Spanish accounts, highlighting the literacy of the English colonists and their different approach to settlement.
- Literary Archetypes: Smith’s descriptions of the New World were influenced by existing literary models and his knowledge of Spanish chronicles.
- Economic Profit and Slavery: The Spanish conquest was driven by economic profit, including slavery, a practice condemned by figures like Bartolomé de las Casas. The English, however, engaged in brutal massacres of Native Americans.
Smith’s The General History of Virginia, published in 1642, details his adventures and aims to legitimize him as the founder of Jamestown. He portrays himself as a lonely hero, admired by Native Americans, contrasting their respect with the lack of recognition from his own people. His narrative emphasizes his leadership and military skills.
John Smith: From the General History of Virginia
Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, along with gentlemen like Captain John Smith, Edward Wingfield, Robert Hunt, and others, embarked on a year-long expedition. After another year of preparation, the voyage to Virginia was entrusted to Captain Christopher Newport. On December 19, 1606, they set sail from Blackwall, encountering storms and delays. They stopped at the Canaries, traded at Dominica, and spent three weeks in the West Indies. They eventually reached Cape Henry, where they were attacked by Native Americans. Upon opening the sealed instructions, a council was formed, with Wingfield as president and Smith initially excluded. Newport, Smith, and others were sent to explore the river, encountering the Powhatan tribe and facing further challenges upon their return to Jamestown.
The colonists at Jamestown faced numerous hardships, with fifty deaths between May and September. Captain Smith took on much of the colony’s management. During an expedition, they were attacked by 300 Indians, but Smith’s life was spared thanks to Pocahontas’ intervention. Smith’s narrative presents him as a hero, although his survival was due to Pocahontas’ actions.
2. Puritanism and Its Influence on American Culture
William Bradford (1590-1657)
Of Plymouth Plantation
William Bradford’s (1590-1657) Of Plymouth Plantation chronicles the Puritans’ journey to the New World. The text explores the religious motivations behind their separation from England and their establishment of a new society. Bradford’s work highlights the Puritans’ theological project and their desire to create a community distinct from the Old World, contrasting their approach with the continued ties between Spain and its American colonies.
- Religious Pretext for War: Bradford’s account places the Puritans’ journey within a broader context of religious conflict, tracing the impact of Martin Luther’s ideas and the subsequent division between Catholic and Protestant churches.
- Puritan Beliefs: Bradford details the core tenets of Puritanism, including their emphasis on Bible translation, individual interpretation of scripture, predestination, and the connection between material prosperity and divine favor.
- Differences between Catholics and Puritans: The text highlights key differences in beliefs and practices between Catholics and Puritans, including their views on salvation, the role of the Bible, and the relationship between individuals and God.
Of Plymouth Plantation is divided into two books. Book I focuses on the Puritans’ journey and their initial struggles in the New World, emphasizing their faith and resilience. Book II offers a more realistic portrayal of the colony’s challenges, including corruption and disillusionment. Bradford’s narrative aims to legitimize the Puritans as the founders of the colony and to justify their actions, including their treatment of Native Americans.
Bradford’s account includes significant events, such as the rescue of a young Puritan man during the voyage, highlighting divine providence. He also provides a stark description of the American landscape, contrasting it with the idyllic imagery of the”locus amoenu” and portraying Native Americans as”savage” to justify their actions. This perspective lays the groundwork for the concept of Manifest Destiny and the Puritans’ sense of superiority.
The text also discusses the Mayflower Compact, a form of self-governance established by the Puritans upon their arrival in Massachusetts. Bradford’s account includes details of social issues, such as a case of bestiality, highlighting the challenges faced by the colony. He also portrays Thomas Morton, an Anglican, as a symbol of moral corruption, emphasizing the Puritans’ intolerance and desire for uniformity.
Thomas Morton (c. 1579-1647)
New English Canaan
Thomas Morton’s (c. 1579-1647) New English Canaan offers a contrasting perspective to Bradford’s account. Morton’s work challenges the Puritan narrative, portraying a more positive view of Native Americans and criticizing the Puritans’ policies of land enclosure and intolerance. The conflict between Bradford and Morton highlights differing interpretations of the colonial experience and the underlying economic and religious tensions.
Anne Bradstreet (c. 1612-1672)
Selected Poems
Anne Bradstreet (c. 1612-1672) is considered the first American woman writer. Her poetry reflects the experiences of a Puritan wife and mother in the New World. Her work challenges the societal norms that restricted women’s literacy and public voice. Bradstreet’s poems utilize the Puritan plain style, characterized by simplicity and a focus on religious themes.
Bradstreet’s poems explore themes of love, family, faith, and mortality. Her work provides a personal and intimate perspective on the Puritan experience, offering insights into the challenges and joys of daily life. Her poems often draw parallels between her experiences and biblical narratives.
3. Captivity Narratives
Mary Rowlandson (c. 1636-1711)
A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson
Mary Rowlandson’s (c. 1636-1711) A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration recounts her experience as a captive of Native Americans. Her narrative serves as a moral example for her community, drawing parallels between her captivity and religious pilgrimage. Rowlandson’s account explores themes of survival, faith, and cultural exchange, offering a unique perspective on the interactions between colonists and Native Americans.
Rowlandson’s narrative became a bestseller, reflecting the widespread interest in captivity narratives during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Her account challenges the simplistic views of Native Americans prevalent at the time, offering a more nuanced portrayal of their culture and society. The text also explores the process of acculturation, as Rowlandson adapts to life among her captors.
4. American Identity
J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur (1735-1813)
Letters from an American Farmer
J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur’s (1735-1813) Letters from an American Farmer, particularly”What is an American”, explores the concept of American identity. Crèvecoeur’s work challenges the European perception of America as a degenerate land, arguing that it fosters a unique blend of cultures and opportunities. He emphasizes the role of agriculture in shaping American society and the potential for social mobility.
Crèvecoeur’s essay contrasts the social structures of Europe with the perceived egalitarianism of America. He highlights the opportunities for immigrants to improve their lives through hard work and emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in shaping character. His work reflects the ideals of the Enlightenment and the belief in human progress.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
The Autobiography
Benjamin Franklin’s (1706-1790) Autobiography exemplifies Crèvecoeur’s theories, providing a real-life account of the”self-made man” Franklin’s narrative chronicles his rise from humble beginnings to prominence, emphasizing the importance of hard work, self-improvement, and moral virtue. His story became a model for many Americans, embodying the ideals of success and social mobility.
Franklin’s Autobiography is divided into three parts. Part 1 details his early life, apprenticeship, and move to Philadelphia. Part 2 focuses on his efforts to cultivate moral virtues and his involvement in civic projects. Part 3 covers his later life, including his involvement in politics and his contributions to American society. Franklin’s narrative emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge, civic engagement, and the pursuit of personal and societal betterment.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
The Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson’s (1743-1826) Declaration of Independence is a foundational text for the United States. It declares independence from Britain and articulates the principles of self-governance, natural rights, and the right to revolution. The document’s influence extends beyond its historical context, serving as a model for other independence movements and inspiring ongoing struggles for equality and justice.
Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence emphasizes the concept of natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It argues that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed and that people have the right to alter or abolish governments that become destructive of their ends. The document’s language and ideals have had a profound impact on American political thought and continue to shape debates about freedom, equality, and the role of government.