Colonial+Period-5th+Period

Colonial Literature


from the words of Phillis Wheatley

"'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too." Phillis Wheatley 

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** INTRODUCTION **
The Colonial time period was limited of literary activity on account of the business of creating a nation of united states on everyone's mind. This was noted by one of the important writers and inventors of this time period: Benjamin Franklin. My fellow prominent writers include :
 * ======** Anne Bradstreet **- writes poems and a book to reflect her opinion on the cultural bias towards women at this time======
 * ====== ** John Winthrop **- uses Christianity to write a political sermon and prepare Puritans for the American project======
 * ======** Edward Taylor **- is a minister and not forthcoming with his writing of poems about Christian roles======
 * ======** Abigail Adams **- writes letters to her husband, John Adams, asking him to "//remember the ladies//"======
 * ====== **Philip Freneau** - writes a lot about nature but is writing an important "political verse"======
 * ====== **Johnathan Edwards** - writes about the Enlightenment, "//Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God//"======
 * ======** John Smith **- writes a tall tale,nonfiction narrative======
 * ======** William Bradford **- compares the travels of the puritans to the Israelites in the wilderness======



**

THE BEGINNING

American Literature came across because of the travelers writing to benefit and entertain those back in the British countries. //Bay Psalm Book//, written in 1640, was the first published work in the Puritan colonies. Thomas Hooker and Roger Williams were among the men who wrote it. The purpose of the //Bay Psalm Book// was to support and promote visions of the religious state.

//Bay Psalm Book//**




 * WRITING STYLES**

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**The writing during this time period was very patriotic and helped to shape the idea of a unity of all the states. Most writings were in the form of journals. They were not written to impress an audience or for pleasure reading, they were simply to document the events and personal experiences taking place in every day life. Much of the writings were based upon religion, morals, and fundamentals as they discussed the hardships of developing a new land. This land was focused on gaining freedom and independence at the time, which influenced the writings to be very strong-willed and inspirational.** ======

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MY STORY

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**I was born in West Africa in 1753. I was kidnapped and taken away from my home as a very young girl. I was put on** **a ship named "Phillis". In 1761, I was bought by John Wheatley in Boston to be a personal slave for his wife. I do not remember much about family or early childhood bacause I was only seven years old when I was purchased by Mr. Wheatley. I owe my success entirely to the Wheatley family, as they were the kind souls who taught me to read and write. I had a great liking towards literature, and I wrote my first poem at the age of thirteen. It was in 1773 that a book of thirty-nine of my poems, //Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,// made me well known. This was not only a gratifying moment for me personally, but it was a historical event for all of my people as this was the first piece of work by a black American to be published. Soon after, the Wheatleys were generous enough to give me back my freedom and release me from slavery because of my great success. In 1776, I was fortunate enough to speak in front of George Washington on behalf of freedom.**  ======

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 110%;">
 * <span style="color: #554634; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 121%;"><span style="color: #554634; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 110%;">I am the first African writer and first to publish a book of poems. The poems I write are highly stylized and use strong diction. My writings also consist of many classical illusions to heroes. Much of my work discusses my strong religious views and the message of salvation. I believe that all men and women, no matter the color, should have eternal life; therefor it was a very important for me to express my views through writings.  **



<span style="color: #a56979; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">** OUR BATTLES **

<span style="color: #554634; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">**During this time period many people went to the New World to escape religious persecution and to begin a new life. The French and Indian War was a main component because it started the money issue in Britain which in turn began the taxation. This unfair tax placed on the goods for America angered many, and this triggered some to put their thoughts and opinions in writing.** <span style="color: #554634; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> There were many social problems at this time including slavery, religion, and the inequality between males and females. **

<span style="color: #554634; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">​ French and Indian War

<span style="color: #554634; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Women's rights <span style="color: #554634; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">were limited.

<span style="color: #554634; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Slavery

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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A0856584.html]
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] []