西北师范大学美国文学通史课件 第一章Colonial Period.pptVIP

Chapter One Colonial Period Teaching Aim: Introducing the literature of colonial period very briefly. Time: hours Contents: I. Native American Literature II. Literature of Early Settlements III. Literature of the 18th Century Teaching Procedure Teaching Aim: Introducing the literature of colonial period very briefly. Time: hours Contents: I. Native American Literature II. Literature of Early Settlements III. Literature of the Eighteenth Century Main points in this chapter Most critics hold that American literature per se did not begin until the 19th century. The period of colonial America stretches roughly from the settlement of America in the early 17th century through the end of the 18th century. The major topic here will be about American Puritanism, which is the one enduring influence in American literature, and the major figures to mention will be Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin who, between them, represent the heritage of American Puritanism. We can divide the literature of this period into three subtopics, namely, Native American literature, literature of early colonial settlements, and literature of the 18th century. I. Native American Literature A. Discovery of America and English Settlement 1. Background 2.The reasons for English settlement 3.The first two groups of English settlement B. Puritanism C. Native American Literature A. Discovery of America and English settlement 1.Background a. the fall of the Roman Empire/ the Middle Ages /trade development/ Italian merchants’ monopoly on eastern trade/trying to find new route to the orient b. The rise of national monarchies and their ambition to expand their power led to frequent expeditions on the unknown seas. C. The Renaissance and the reformation In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America and he mistook the native people on the new continent for Indians. 2. The Reasons for English Settlement Three reasons 1. First, the rising merchant class, overseas colonies offered vas