1、12按照时期分类一、殖民时期（约16071765）二、启蒙时期和独立革命（176518世纪末）三、浪漫主义时期（18651918）四、现实主义时期（18651918）五、现代主义时期（19181945）六、当代文学（1945 ）3v殖民地时期 v独立革命至南北战争时期 v南北战争到第一次世界大战 v两次世界大战之间 v第二次世界大战后 4Brief Outline of American literatureColonial period (1607-1775)Anne BradstreetEdward TaylorRevolutionary period (1775-1783)Benjami
2、n FranklinPhilip FreneauDemocratic Period (1783-1802)Romanticism (1820-1861)Washington IrvingEdgar Allan PoeNathaniel Howthorne William Whitman* Transcendentalism * (New England Renaissance)Ralph Waldo EmersonFillip ThoreauRealism (1861-1914)Mark TwainHenry JamesNaturalism:Stephen CraneTheodore Drei
3、serThe 1920sT.S. EliotWilliam FaulknerErnest Hemingway (Lost Generation)Imagism: Ezra Pound5Brief Outline of American literatureThe 1930sSteinbeckHarlem Renaissance(Black American literature)HughesWrightEllisonAmerican DramaEugene ONeill Arthur Miller Tennessee WilliamsThe Post-war SceneSaul BellowS
4、alingerPoetry:Confessional PoetryBlack Mountain PoetsSan Francisco RenaissanceThe Beat GenerationThe New York Poets6Colonial Period (1607-1775)Chapter One7Historical backgroundvThe first permanent English settlement in North America at James town, Virginia in 1607.vIn 1630 the puritans established t
5、he Massachusetts Bay Colony.vIndependent War (1776-1783); the foundation of a Federative bourgeois democratic republicthe United States of America.8The early settlersvChristopher Columbus discovered the American continent in 1492.vCaptain John Smith reached Jamestown, Virginia in 1607.vPuritans came
6、 to the New England area, by Mayflower in 1620.vThe first settlement was established in Plymouth in 1620. vMassachusetts Bay Colony was established in 1630.9Puritanism in America Why did Puritans come to America?- to escape religious persecution - to reform the Church of England - to have an entirel
7、y new church * Gods chosen people * To seek a new Garden of Eden * To build “City of God on earth”10The Definition of Literary TermsvColonial AmericavAmerican PuritanismvAmerican Dream 11Features of Puritanism1) Predestination: God decided everything before things occurred.2) Original sin: Human bei
8、ngs were born to be evil, and this original sin can be passed down from generation to generation.3) Total depravity: Humanitys utter corruption since the Fall.4) Limited atonement: Only the “elect” can be saved.12Influence of PuritanismInfluence - American Puritanism was one of the most enduring sha
9、ping influences in American thought and American literature.- American literature is based on a myth, i.e. the Biblical myth of the Garden of Eden.- Puritanism can be compared with Chinese Confucianism.13Influence of Puritanism1） A group of good qualitieshard work, thrift, piety, sobriety (serious a
10、nd thoughtful) influenced American literature.2) It led to the everlasting myth. All literature is based on a myth garden of Eden. American literature, in a sense, was a literary expression of the pious idealism of the Puritan request. Namely, American literature is based on a myth, that is, the myt
11、h of Garden of Eden. (optimism/American Dream)3) Symbolism: The Puritans metaphorical mode of perception brought American literary symbolism into being, a literary symbolism which is distinctly American.4) With regard to their writing, the style is fresh, simple and direct; the rhetoric is plain and
12、 honest, not without a touch of nobility often traceable to the direct influence of the Bible. The Puritan style of writing was characterized by simplicity. (The use of metaphors was only to explain the writers opinions rather than to decorate.)14Puritanism: Puritan values /Creedslhard worklthrift l
13、pietylsobriety lPuritans are more practical, tougher, and to be ever ready for any misfortune and tragic failure.They are optimistic.15American DreamThe American Dream is the faith held by many in the United States of American that through hard work, courage, and determination one can achieve a bett
14、er life for oneself, usually through financial prosperity. These were values held by many early European settlers, and have been passed on to subsequent generations. Nowadays the American Dream has led to an emphasis on material wealth as a measure of success and /or happiness.16Types of writing: hi
15、stories, travel accounts, diaries, biographies, letters, autobiographies, sermons, and poems.Major writers: vJohn Smiththe first American writervAnne Bradstreetthe first important poet in the American colonies. Her work The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America(1650) is considered as the first book
16、 of original poetry written in colonial America. vEdward Taylorfinest poet of the colonial period.17Authors and Their WorksvPuritanism: William Bradford, Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor, Jonathan Edwards.vAntiPuritanism: Roger Williams, John Woolman, Thomas Paine, Philip Freneau18Major Writers Captai
17、n John Smith （约翰（约翰史密斯）史密斯）u the first American writeru A Description of New England 新英格兰叙事(1616)u General History of Virginia弗吉尼亚通史（1642）vPocahontas 19William Bradford (1590-1657)vOne of the greatest of colonial American, wholly consecrated to a mission in which he regarded himself as an instrument
18、 of God.vAt the age of 18, he accompanied the group to Holland to escape persecution.v13 years later he was one of those who, on December 11, took on the Mayflower and entered Plymouth Bay.vFrom 1622 until his death, Bradford was reelected thirty timed as governor.vMasterpiece: Of Plymouth Plantatio
19、n普利茅斯开发史20 Of Plymouth PlantationvA story of these early American and their long geographical and spiritual pilgrimage.21Three major poets in colonial period:lAnne BradstreetlMichael WigglesworthlEdward Taylor 22 Anne Bradstreet (安妮安妮布拉布拉德斯特里特德斯特里特) (1612-1672) uthe first American woman poetu ua Pur
20、itan poet, once called “Tenth Muse”umost famous poems“Contemplations”沉思录23 Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672)Anne Bradstreets Works“Some verses on the Burning of Our House”“The Spirit and the Flesh”The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in AmericaAnne Bradstreets Life* She was born and educated in England.* At th
21、e age of 18, she came to America in 1630 with her father and husband. * She had 8 children.* She became known as the “Tenth Muse” who appeared in America.the first collection published by English colonists living in America242. Michael Wigglesworth (1631-1705)Work: “The Day of Doom” (1662)3. Edward
22、Taylor (1642?-1729)Work: Preparatory Meditation25Features of Colonial PoetsThey were servants of God.They faithfully imitated and transplanted English literary traditions.In English stylePuritan poets26Chapter TwoRevolutionary Period (1775-1783) The Literature of Reason and Revolution (1700-1800)“Th
23、e Age of Reason”“American Enlightenment”27Literature of Reason and Revolution (1700-1800)I. Background -The Enlightenment Movement -The War of Independence (1775-1783)II. Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin A. Jonathan Edwards “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” B. Benjamin Franklins The Autob
24、iography of Benjamin Franklin (pp.21-28)III. Features of Literature28The War of Independence (1775-1783)v1775, Lexington, beginning of the Independence WarvJune 4th, 1776, Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independencev1778, alliance with France, turning point for American armyv1778, English army sur
25、renderedv1783, formal recognition from Britain government 29Authors:vBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790): Poor Richards Almanac格言历书格言历书; Autobiography vThomas Paine (1737-1809):Comon Sense vThomas Jefferson (1743-1826):Declaration of Independence (1776) vWilliam Hill Brown(1765-1793):The Power of Sympathy
26、vPhilip Freneau (1752-1832): “The Wild Honey Suckle” romantic poemsvJonathan Edwards30Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)v Man of God31Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)1. Status: a puritan writer, theologian, colonial American preacher and missionary to Native Americans 2. Comments: vEdwards “is widely acknowle
27、dged to be Americas most important and original philosophical theologian. vHe is known as one of the greatest and most profound of American theologians and revivalists. (born for religion and died for science)3. Works: The Freedom of the Will (1954); The Great Doctrine of Original Sin Defended (1758
28、); The Nature of True Virtue (1765)v “Personal Narrative” and “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” are his frequently anthologized pieces. 32Jonathan Edwards4. Criticism: v His work is very broad in scope, but he is often associated with his defense of Calvinist theology, the metaphysics of theolo
29、gical determinism, and the Puritan heritage. vHis famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” emphasized the just wrath of God against sin and contrasted it with the provision of God for salvation; the intensity of his preaching sometimes resulted in members of the audience fainting, swoon
30、ing, and other more obtrusive reactions. 33Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)34Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)vA. Status: vone of the greatest founding fathers of the American Nationva rare genius in human history vJack of all trades: essayist, autobiographical writer, printer, scientist, postmaster, alman
31、ac maker, orator, statesman, philosopher, political economist, ambassador， almost everything35自传格言历书C. LifevBenjamin Franklin came from a Calvinist background.vHe was born into a poor candle-makers family. He had very little education. He learned in school only for two years, but he was a voracious
32、reader.vAt 12, he was apprenticed to his elder half-brother, a printer.vAt 16, he began to publish essays under the pseudonym “Silence Do good” .vAt 17, he ran away to Philadelphia to make his own fortune.vHe set himself up as an independent printer and publisher.B. Works The Autobiography Poor Rich
33、ards Almanack36 Franklins Contributions to SciencevHe was also remembered for volunteer fire departments, effective street lighting, the Franklin stove, bifocal glasses and efficient heating devices. vAnd for his lightning-rod, he was called “the new Prometheus who had stolen fire from heaven.” Fran
34、klins Contributions to the U.S.vHe was the only American to sign the four documents that created the United States: The Declaration of Independence, The Treaty of Alliance with France, The Treaty of Peace with England, The ConstitutionD. Franklins Contributions to SocietyHe helped found the Pennsylv
35、ania Hospital. He founded an academy which led to the University of Pennsylvania. And he helped found the American Philosophical Society.37Poor Richards Almanackv1. Time: almost a quarter of centuryv2. Content: Literary pieces such as poems and essays, a good many adages, commonsense witticismsv3. S
36、ources: he borrowed them from such famous writers such as Rabelais, Defoe, Swift and Pope and tried to simplify these quotationsv4. Examples: Famous sayings such as “Lost time is never found again”, “God help them that help themselves”, “Fish and visitors stink in three days”, etc.v5. Function: prac
37、tical, instructive, and amusing38Poor Richards Almanackvan annual collection of proverbsvemphasis on commercial success in these almanacs explains why Franklin has come down in American history as the perfect representative of the American Dream of “rags to riches.” vstress on the importance of work
38、ing hard to make money and saving to reinvest it to make morevthe idea that happiness depended in the first place on economic success voptimistically believed success was within the grasp of any normal American who worked hard, lived modestly and remained alert to seize every opportunity for practic
39、al advancement. vno man could be virtuous or happy unless he did his best to improve the life of his society and his own life.39Sayings from Poor Richards AlmanackvA penny saved is a penny earnedvAn ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.vCreditors have better memories than debtors.vA word to
40、the wise is sufficient.vHe that goes a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing. vGod helps them who help themselves.vEarly to bed, and early to rise, makes a Man healthy, wealthy, and wise.vDiligence is the Mother of Good Luck.vOne today is worth two tomorrow.vA small leak will sink a great ship.40The Autobiogra
41、phy of Benjamin Franklinv1. Nature: Probably the first of its kind in literature. A simple yet fascinating record of a mans success. A faithful account of the colorful career of Americas first self-made man. v2. Structure: The book consists of four parts, written at different times. Franklin was 65
42、when he began to write.v3. Content: v(a) Puritanism: It is first of all a Puritan document, a record of self-examination and self-improvement, a meticulous chart of 13 virtues to cultivate.v(b) Enlightenment: It embodies the new order of the 18th century Enlightenment. (Order and Moderation) v4. Sty
43、le: This work is written in the pattern of Puritan simplicity, directness, and concision. The most salient显著地 features are such as the plainness of its style, the homeliness of imagery, the simplicity of diction, syntax, and expression. v5. Tone: OptimismvThe American dream began with the settlement
44、 of the American continent the promised land the Garden of Eden optimistic about the future41The Autobiography is a record of self-examination and self-improvement. Benjamin Franklin was a spokesman for the new order of the 18th century enlightenment The Autobiography is a how-to-do-it book, a book
45、on the art of self-improvement. (for example, Franklins 13 virtues)Through telling a success story of self-reliance, the book celebrates, in fact, the fulfillment of the American dream.The Autobiography is in the pattern of Puritan simplicity, directness, and concision. Evaluation42Style of Franklin
46、va brilliant writer, with a definite gift for writingvhas power of expression, simplicity, a subtle humor, sometimes sarcasticvperfect the Puritan plain style, “smooth, clear and short writings”vUse “a close, naked, natural way of speaking; positive expressions, clear senses, a native easiness, brin
47、ging all things as near the mathematical plainness as they can. 43Hector St. John de Crevecoeurv Hector St. John de CrevecoeurvA. Birth: born in a French noble familyvB. Settlement: Settled in America and hoped that the New World man would be able to shake off the shackles of the old and live the wa
48、y mankind should.vC. Works: Letters from an American Farmer (1775)vHe wrote 12 letters back to Europe, explaining the meaning of America to the outside world. The first 8 letters reveal the pride of a man being an American, and, thereupon, optimistic. Starting from his ninth letter, he began to spea
49、k with the voice of a disillusioned man, rendering the last 4 letters pessimistic. 44Thomas Paine (1737-1809)vthe most persuasive rhetorician of the cause for independence. vborn in England, the son of a staymakervin 1774, at the age of 37, recognized by Franklin because of his peculiar talents, and
50、 made his way to Philadelphia, where he edited the Pennsylvania Magazine owned and published by Franklinvin 1776, his famous pamphlet Common Sense came out, bringing the separatist agitation to a crisis. vthe most articulate spokesman of the American Revolution, his chief contribution was a series o
