美国文学PPT课件

1、American Literature,American Literature,Teaching Materials: A Survey of American Literature， 美国文学简史（第二版），常耀信， 南开大学出版社,Further Reading,李宜燮，常耀信， Selected Readings in American Literature美国文学选读（上册）。 李宜燮，常耀信， Selected Readings in American Literature美国文学选读（下册）。 A Guide to a Survey of American Literature,（

2、第二版）学习指南，赵红英，中国传媒大学出版社。 牛津文学术语词典，上海外语教育出版社。 漫话英美文学.常耀信. 天津：南开大学出 版社，2004,Introduction,What is literature?Writings that are valued as works of art, esp. fiction, drama and poetry. Language artistically used to achieve identifiable literary qualities and to convey meaningful messages. Literature is ch

3、aracterized by beauty of expression and form and by universality of intellectual and emotional appeal. Forms (genres) of literature?Poetry, novel (fiction), drama, prose, essay, epic, elegy, short story, journalism, sermon, (auto) biography, travel accounts, novelette, etc. It contains fiction the f

4、oundation of a Federative bourgeois democratic republicthe United States of America,The early settlers,Christopher Columbus discovered the American continent in 1492. Captain John Smith reached Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. Puritans came the New England area, by Mayflower in 1620. The first settlemen

5、t was established in Plymouth in 1620. Massachusetts Bay Colony was established in 1630,Puritanism in America,Why did Puritans come to America?- to escape religious persecution - to reform the Church of England - to have an entirely new church * Gods chosen people * To seek a new Garden of Eden * To

6、 build “City of God on earth,The Definition of Literary Terms,Colonial America American Puritanism American Dream Great Awakening,Colonial America,Columbus found the new world in a voyage of 1492. The early 1600s witnessed the beginning of a great tide of emigration from Europe to North America. In

7、November 9,1620, the Mayflower ship lands at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with 101 colonists: the establishment of the first American colony and the beginning of the strenuous settlement in the new world. The Native Americans possessed a tragic history of subjugation and bloodshed by those strangers fro

8、m abroad,American Puritanism,Puritanism was a religious reform movement that arose within the Church of England in the late 16th century. Under siege from church and crown, it sent an offshoot in the third and fourth decades of the seventeenth century to the northern English colonies in the New Worl

9、d a migration that laid the foundation for the religious, intellectual and social order of New England,Puritanism,Puritanism is a highly strict religious doctrine. The Puritans were determined to find a place on the new continent where they could worship God in the way they thought true Christians s

10、hould. Puritanism also has its practical aspect. The Puritans had to work hard in order to make a living and be ready for any misfortunes and tragic failures that might lie in wait for them,Puritanism: American Puritans,Puritans was the name given in the 16th century to the more extreme Protestants（

11、新教徒） within the Church of England who thought the English Reformation （英国宗教改革）had not gone far enough in reforming the doctrines and structure of the church. They wanted to purify their national church by eliminating every shred of Catholic influence. In the 17th century many Puritans emigrated to t

12、he New World, where they sought to found a holy Commonwealth in New England,Puritanism: American Puritans,Puritans want to make up pure their religious beliefs and practices. Puritans wish to restore simplicity to church services and the authority of the Bible to theology. Puritans look upon themsel

13、ves as a chosen people, and it follow logically that anyone who challenged their way of life is opposing Gods will and is not to be accepted. Puritan opposition to pleasure and the arts sometimes has been exaggerated. Religious teaching tended to emphasize the image of a wrathful God,Puritanism: Ame

14、rican Puritans,Puritans follow the ideas of John Calvin. Puritanism was influenced heavily by Calvinism. Calvinism refers to a comprehensive theological system, chiefly distinguished by its view of God and His relationship to man. The name of the system is derived by John Calvins surname. There are

15、5 major points of Calvinism. They are be remembered by the acronym: TULIP,TULIP,Total hereditary/ depravity (original sin, mans natural inability to exercise free will, since through Adams Fall, he has suffered hereditary corruption.) Unconditional election. (predestination, which manifests itself t

16、hrough Gods wisdom to elect those to be saved, despite their inability to perform saving work.) Limited atonement. (particular redemption, mans hereditary corruption being partially atoned by Christ, and this atonement being provided the elect through the Holy Spirit, giving them the power to attemp

17、t to obey Gods will as revealed through Bible) Irresistible grace. (effectual calling, anticipatory grace made available only to the elect. ) Perseverance of the Saints (once saved, always saved,Features of Puritanism,1) Predestination: God decided everything before things occurred. 2) Original sin:

18、 Human beings 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,Influence of Puritanism,Influence - American Puritanism was one of the most e

19、nduring shaping 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,Influence of Puritanism,1） A group of good qualitieshard work, thrift, piety, sobriety

20、(serious and 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

21、is, the myth 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

22、 is plain and 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.,Puritanism: Puritan values /Creeds,hard wo

23、rk thrift piety sobriety Puritans are more practical, tougher, and to be ever ready for any misfortune and tragic failure.They are optimistic,American Dream,The American Dream is the faith held by many in the United States of American that through hard work, courage, and determination one can achiev

24、e a better 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,Great Awakenin

25、g,Great Awakening is a series of religious revival that swept over the American colonies about the middle of the 18th century. It resulted in doctrinal change and influenced social and political thought. In New England it was started in 1734 by the rousing preaching of Jonathan Edwards,Types of writ

26、ing: histories, travel accounts, diaries, biographies, letters, autobiographies, sermons, and poems,Major writers: John Smiththe first American writer Anne Bradstreetthe first important poet in the American colonies. Her work The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America(1650) is considered as the firs

27、t book of original poetry written in colonial America. Edward Taylorfinest poet of the colonial period,Authors and Their Works,Puritanism: William Bradford, Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor, Jonathan Edwards. AntiPuritanism: Roger Williams, John Woolman, Thomas Paine, Philip Freneau,Major Writers,Capt

28、ain John Smith （约翰史密斯） the first American writer A Description of New England 新英格兰叙事(1616) General History of Virginia弗吉尼亚通史（1642） Pocahontas,William Bradford (1590-1657,One of the greatest of colonial American, wholly consecrated to a mission in which he regarded himself as an instrument of God. At

29、 the age of 18, he accompanied the group to Holland to escape persecution. 13 years later he was one of those who, on December 11, took on the Mayflower and entered Plymouth Bay. From 1622 until his death, Bradford was reelected thirty timed as governor. Masterpiece: Of Plymouth Plantation,Of Plymou

30、th Plantation,A story of these early American and their long geographical and spiritual pilgrimage. Through the story, we share the struggle, the fears, and the victories over the elements. Bradford sees the signs everywhere and always keeps sight of signs of Gods judgment and providence. Bradford w

31、rites in the Puritan Plain style, seldom using any metaphor or decorative language,Three major poets in colonial period,Anne Bradstreet Michael Wigglesworth Edward Taylor,Anne Bradstreet (安妮布拉德斯特里特) (1612-1672) the first American woman poet a Puritan poet, once called “Tenth Muse” most famous poems“

32、Contemplations”沉思录,Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672,the first noted poetess in colonial period,Anne Bradstreets Works“Some verses on the Burning of Our House”“The Spirit and the Flesh”The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America Anne Bradstreets Life* She was born and educated in England.* At the age of 18,

33、 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 America,The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America,Published in England in 1650 as her first boo

34、k. Bradstreets finest poems are those closest to her personal experience as a Puritan wife and mother living in the edge of the wildness. She found similarities between the domestic details of daily life and the spiritual details of her religious life. In conclusion, Anne Bradstreet was not an innov

35、ative poet, but her directness and her sincerity are moving,2. Michael Wigglesworth (1631-1705,the most popular poet in American Colonial Period Work: “The Day of Doom” (1662,3. Edward Taylor (1642?-1729,the finest poet in colonial period/ The greatest poet in American Colonial Period Work: Preparat

36、ory Meditation,Features of Colonial Poets,They were servants of God. They faithfully imitated and transplanted English literary traditions,In English style,Puritan poets,Main Features of Colonial Literature,American literature grew out of humble origins. Personal literature in its various forms, occ

37、upy a major position in the literature of the early colonial period. In content these early writings served either God or colonial expansion or both. In form, if there was any form at all, English literary traditions were faithfully imitated and transplanted. The Puritanism formed in this period was

38、 one of the most enduring shaping influences in American thought and American literature,Chapter Two,Revolutionary Period (1775-1783) The Literature of Reason and Revolution (1700-1800,The Age of Reason” “American Enlightenment,Literature of Reason and Revolution (1700-1800,I. Background -The Enligh

39、tenment 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 Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (pp.21-28) III. Features of Literature,Literature of Reason and Revolution (1700-18

40、00,I. Background The Enlightenment Movement A. Introduction B. Three Enlightenment thinkers 1.John Locke (1642-1704) 2.Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) 3. Jean Jacques Rousseau(1712-1778) C. The two basic patterns of thought dominating the 18th century American thinking 1. Deism 2. Calvinist beliefs and te

41、nets D. Influence on literature,The Enlightenment MovementA. Introduction,Originated in Europe in the 17th century Resources: Newtons theory; deism（自然神教派，见课本，宗教与启蒙精神相结合的产物）; French philosophy (Rousseau, Voltaire) Basic principles: stressing education; stressing Reason (Order) (The Age of Reason.); e

42、mploying Reason to reconsider the traditions and social realities; concerns for civil rights, such as equality and social justice Significance: accelerating social progress; freeing people from the limitations set by prevailing Puritanism; making spiritual preparation for American Revolution,B. Thre

43、e Enlightenment thinkers,1. John Locke (1642-1704), English Enlightenment thinker put forward the idea of men being by name free, equal and independent. maintained that life is a natural right, along with liberty and property. believed that government should be based upon the consent of the governed

44、 and a state founded on the concept of consent must be structured to allow for expressions of popular consent or will,2. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679,an English political philosopher sought to apply rational principles to the study of human nature. believed that man is motivated most strongly by a desir

45、e for self-preservation, as a result of which he seeks power. Man is a beast in jungle, and if let alone, would resort to anarchy, where only the use of force can be successful. In order to insure himself a society where reason prevails over force, man must surrender some of his rights to government

46、 in return for protection and order. And the government most suited to maintain order and suppress those instincts in man is an absolute monarchy. Government should also protect property,3. Jean Jacques Rousseau(1712-1778,a Swiss-born French writer, maintained that man is good by nature. His famous

47、work, The Social Contract (1762), claimed that when men form a social contract to form a government, power rests ultimately with the people. They may withdraw their support of their leaders when necessary. He believed that the least amount of government was best and that private property protected b

48、y government is evil,Their Influence,Locke and Rousseau represented the impulse for Jeffersonian democracy, and Hobbes represented the point of view, often expressed by Hamilton, of a strong central government. These Enlightenment concepts also produced great influence on American literature,America

49、n Enlightenment,The 18th-century American Enlightenment was a movement marked by an emphasis on rationality rather than tradition, scientific inquiry instead of unquestioning religious dogma, and representative government in place of monarchy. Enlightenment thinkers and writers were devoted to the i

50、deals of justice, liberty, and equality as the natural rights of man. The colonists who would form a new nation were firm believers in the power of reason; they were ambitious, inquisitive, optimistic, practical, politically astute, and self-reliant,Basic assumptions and beliefs human reason knowled

51、ge comes only from experience and observation guided by reason discovery of truth through the observation of nature, rather than through the study of the Bible Deism: God is the creator of the universe, yet He leaves it to operate according to natural law Human aspirations should not be centered on

52、the next life, but rather on the means of improving this life. Worldly happiness was placed before religious salvation,C. The two basic patterns of thought dominating the 18th century American thinking,1. Deism(自然神论） a complete new view of the universe a whole set of new ideas and philosophies inter

53、ested in mans own nature, the natural world and the human world,2.Calvinist beliefs and tenets,Calvinists believe that man was, since the Fall, basically evil and enslaved by his sense of sin, and that God was all, and would in His mercy and love work for mans salvation, but as for men, all he could

54、 do was to worship the Almighty and hope,D. Influence on literature,In form: imitating English classical（古典主义）writers In content: utilitarian tendency (for political or educational purpose,The War of Independence (1775-1783,1775, Lexington, beginning of the Independence War June 4th, 1776, Thomas Je

55、fferson, Declaration of Independence 1778, alliance with France, turning point for American army 1778, English army surrendered 1783, formal recognition from Britain government,Authors,Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790): Poor Richards Almanac格言历书; Autobiography Thomas Paine (1737-1809):Comon Sense Thomas

56、 Jefferson (1743-1826):Declaration of Independence (1776) William Hill Brown(1765-1793):The Power of Sympathy Philip Freneau (1752-1832): “The Wild Honey Suckle” romantic poems Jonathan Edwards,II. Edwards, Franklin,Edwards - Puritan nave idealism (used Calvinist belief and tenets to stage a series

57、of religious revivals known as the “Great Awakening” in North America from 1735 to 1750.) Franklin - crude materialism (used deism as an effective practical support to the new ideas of progress.) Both- inheritors of the Puritan tradition,Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758,Man of God,Jonathan Edwards (1703-

58、1758,1. Status: a puritan writer, theologian, colonial American preacher and missionary to Native Americans 2. Comments: Edwards “is widely acknowledged to be Americas most important and original philosophical theologian. He is known as one of the greatest and most profound of American theologians a

59、nd revivalists. (born for religion and died for science) 3. Works: The Freedom of the Will (1954); The Great Doctrine of Original Sin Defended (1758); The Nature of True Virtue (1765) “Personal Narrative” and “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” are his frequently anthologized pieces,Jonathan Edwa

60、rds,4. Criticism: His work is very broad in scope, but he is often associated with his defense of Calvinist theology, the metaphysics of theological determinism, and the Puritan heritage. His famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” emphasized the just wrath of God against sin and contr