常耀信美国文学知识点

1、精选优质文档倾情为你奉上精选优质文档倾情为你奉上专心专注专业专心专注专业精选优质文档倾情为你奉上专心专注专业Introduction 1. The Youngest National Literature 1781 (Independence War) 2012= about 200 years2. Great achievement: 1930-1980, nine American writers won the Nobel PrizeThe Periods of American Literature1.The colonial period (约1607 - 1765)2. The p

2、eriod of enlightenment and Independence War (1765-1800)3. The romantic period (1800 - 1865)4. The realistic period (1865 - 1914)5. The period of modernism (1914 - 1945)6. The Contemporary Literature (1945 -)Chapter I Colonial AmericaAmerican Puritanism1. The beliefs and practices characteristic of P

3、uritans(most of whom were Calvinists who wished to purify the Church of England of its Catholic aspects)2. Strictness and austerity in conduct and religion Puritans religious belief: Calvinism John Calvin, the great French theologian. The principal concepts: 1) Original sin and total depravity. 2) P

4、redestination 3) Salvation of selected few The Puritans carried with them to America a code of values, a philosophy of life, and a point of view, which, in time, took root in the New world and became what is known as American Puritanism. (p11)The Influence of Puritanism on American Literature 1) Ide

5、alism（optimism） 2) Symbolism 3) Simplicity in writing Significance of PuritanismWith time passing it became a dominant factor in American life, one of the most enduring shaping influences in American thought and American Literature. To some extent it is a state of mind, a part of the national cultur

6、al atmosphere that the American breathes, rather than a set of tenets.Time: From the arrival of the first settlers in the early 17th century to the end of the 18th century Literary Features 1. Forms Personal literature in various forms diaries, histories, common books (札记)，journals, letters, travel

7、books, sermons etc. 2. Content 1) practical matter-of-fact accounts of farming, hunting, travel, etc. designed to inform people “at home” what life was like in the new world 2) highly theoretical discussions of religious questions. 3. Style In Style, English literary traditions were imitated and tra

8、nsplanted. Early writers in the colonial periodJohn Smith, a captain, one of the founders of the colony of Jamestown, Virginia; the writer of A Description of New England.William Bradford, the first governor of the Plymouth Plantation, his writing: Of Plymouth Plantation (P16)John Winthrop, the firs

9、t governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, In his famous speech A Model of Christian Charity ,he states that there was a agreement between God and his people of building a new Garden of Eden in the new world. (P17)Therefore let us choose life, 所以，让我们选择生活，that we and our seed 这样，我们和我们的后代， may live b

10、y obeying His 可以听从上帝的声音，voice and cleaving to Him, 须臾不离上帝，for He is our life and 因为，上帝是我们的生命，our prosperity. 我们的兴旺_John Winthrop (1588-1649)Major writers in the period Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) Thomas Paine (1737-1809) Philip Freneau (1752-1832) Charles Brockden Brown Anne Bradstreet(1617-1672) 1.

11、 Life and WorksHer first volume: The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America 美洲最近出现的第十个谬斯She was known as the “Tenth Muse”2. Major contents of her poetryDescription of the early settlers life in the new world e.g. “As Weary Pilgrim” Poems about the justice of Gods way with His Puritan flock; in searc

12、h of mans nature and destiny and his mission in the new world. e.g. “Upon the Burning of Our House” Poems to her husband and her children. e.g. “To My Dear and Loving Husband”我侬词管道升 你侬我侬，忒煞情多；情多处，热似火；把一块泥，捻一个你，塑一个我。将咱两个一齐打破，用水调和；再捻一个你，再塑一个我。我泥中有你，你泥中有我：我与你生同一个衾，死同一个椁。 Characteristics of her poetrysi

13、ngularly puritan mode of perception; imitation of Spenser and the French poet Bartas. Contemplations (9)The poem P17-18Comment on the poem: (p18) When she heard the grasshopper and the cricket sing, she thought of this as their praising Creator and searched her own soul accordingly. It is evident th

14、at she saw something metaphysical inhering in the physical, a mode of perception which was singularly Puritan.Edward TaylorHis poetic style: In his elaborate metaphors, he is like the English metaphysical poets, such as John Donne and George Herbert.His poetic content: He was first and last, a Purit

15、an poet, concerned about how his images speak for God.Huswifery 家务P19Metaphor: Spinning wheel in the control of the housewife is just like the Christians in the obedience of God.The theme of the poem: If you give your life over to god and make him your center, you will be accepted joyfully into His

16、kingdom.Writers writing for religious freedom and American independenceRoger Williams (1603-1683)“the first rebel against the divine church order in the wilderness” (Cotton Mather)“The Bloody Tenet of Persecution for the Cause of Conscience” (1644): attacking the religious conformity and upholding t

17、he spiritual freedom of the individualJohn Woolman (1720-1772) A Quaker(“inner right”convinced that true religion consisted in inward life); attacking all forms of iniquity, pleading for the rights of all men and for the abolition of the slavery system:“some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes”

18、“A Plea for the Poor”Journal: recording his spiritual experiences of inward communication with God.Thomas Paine (1737-1809) coming to America at 37 with the letters of introduction from Benjamin Franklin; an unflinching fighter for the rights of man; participating in the French Revolution; die in po

19、verty in NY.His great gift as a stylist was “plainness”: It is my design to make those who can scarcely read understand. Rights of Man The Age of ReasonPhilip Freneau (1752-1832)“Poet of the American Revolution the first professional American novelist The first American-born poet (the most significa

20、nt poet of eighteenth-century America);notable mainly for two things: using his poetic talents serving the national independence; advocating nationalism in American literature.Works:The Rising Glory of America(1772)The Jamaica FuneralThe British Prison Ship(1781)To the Memory of the Brave Americans

21、(1781)The Wild Honey Suckle (1786)The Indian Burying Ground (1788)Charles Brockden Brown (1771-1810) Wieland (1798), Edgar Huntly (1799), Arthur Mervyn (1799-1800), and Ormond (1799), Subjects about the new worldDescription of his characters inner worldEarly American FictionModes of early American f

22、iction:Epistolary fiction: The Power of Sympathy (1789) William Hill BrownSentimental fiction: Charlotte Temple (1791) Susanna RowsonPicaresque and adventure fiction: Modern Chivalry (1792-1815) Hugh Henry BrackenridgeGothic fiction: Wieland (1798) Charles Brockden Brown (1771-1810) Conclusion：In al

23、l, as to the development of American literature, the following two centuries since the arrival the Mayflower were still a process of groping for literary expression of the national experiences. The literary scene still looked bleak and barren, however, the 18th century saw the emergence of two famou

24、s writers who would exercise seminal influence on the maturity of American literature, Benjamin Franklin, Jonathan Edwards.Chapter Two Period of Enlightenment1.Historical Background American Revolution(2)Enlightenment (启蒙运动) Originated in Europe in the 17th century Resources: Newtons theory; deism（自

25、然神教派，）; French philosophy (Rousseau, Voltaire)Deism God the Creator of the world, then leaving it to operate according to natural law.The best way to worship God Study man and nature instead of God, to do good things to mankind.Man is by nature good and free. Man could “perfect himself” and could de

26、cide his own destiny. Basic principles: stressing education; stressing Reason (Order) ；employing 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 s

27、et by prevailing Puritanism; making spiritual preparation for American Revolution Representatives: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson etc. Jonathan Edwards (17031758)（the first modern American and the countrys last medieval man）In 1716, at the age of 13, admitted to Yale, graduated fo

28、ur years laterIn 1723, took his M.A. in YaleIn 1729, after 3 years assistant to his grandfather, named to be the minister of the churchInstrumental in bringing about the “Great Awakening” from1730s to 1740sDied of a smallpox inoculation in 1758“never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in

29、the most profitable way”Major Works The Freedom of the Will (1754) The Great doctrine of Original Sin Defended (1758)The Nature of True Virtue (1765)Personal NarrativeAnalysis Influenced by the new ideas of Enlightenment, such as empiricism Still a pious Puritan His sense of Gods overwhelming presen

30、ce in nature and in soul anticipated the Transcendentalism. First modern American and the countrys last medieval man Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) LifeJack of all trades Born in a poor candle makers family in Boston No regular education Became a apprentice of a printer when he was 12 A editor of a n

31、ewspaper and published lots of essays when he was 16 Went to Philadelphia when he was 17 A successful printer and publisher Retired when he was 42 A scientist with lots of inventions and a famous experiment A famous statesman (the only America who once signed all the four documents that created the

32、new country) (P33) An example who made American Dream come trueLiterary works Poor Richards Almanac穷查理的年历He kept publishing it for 25 years.A popular almanac with poems, essays and a good many of sayingsHe made good use of his own wit and wisdom in the borrowed statements.Maxims（谚语，格言） and axioms（哲理

33、，格言）Lost time is never found again. A penny saved is a penny earned. God help them that help themselves. Fish and visitors stink in three days. Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.Diligence is the Mother of Good Luck.On

34、e Today is worth two tomorrow.Industry pays debts. Despair encreaseth them. The Autobiography first of its kind in literatureWriting when he was 65An introduction of his life to his own sonIncluding four parts written in different time (1771. 1784, 1788, 1790)Puritanisms influence, such as self-exam

35、ination and self-improvement (timetable, thirteen virtues, life style)Enlightenment spirits (mans nature good, rights of liberty, virtues includes “order”)A brief analysis of Autobiography1) as a Puritan document with a record of self-analysis and self-improvement eat not to dullness, drink not to e

36、levation; avoiding trifling conversation; let all your things have their places; lose no time; wastes nothing; resolve to perform what you ought; use no deceit; wrong none13 virtues 1. Temperance 2. Silence 3. Order 4. Resolution 5. Frugality 6. Industry 7. Sincerity 8. Justice 9. Moderation 10. Cle

37、anliness 11. Tranquility 12. Chastity 13. Humility2) as an elucidation of Franklins identity as a spokesman for the Age of Enlightenment Man by nature is good and free; a record of the fulfillment of the American dream; the spirit of self-reliance and self-improvement .3)as an exemplary illustration

38、 of American style of writing simplicity, directness, concision, lucid narrative, etc.CrevecoeurCrevecoeurs idea of “new man” in America.(p37-38), the fulfillment of the American DreamThe illusory nature of the DreamAmerican RomanticismIntroductionTime: From the end of the 18th century throughout th

39、e outbreak of the Civil war(The Sketch Book by IrvingLeaves of Grass by Whitman) Reasons for the rising of American Romanticism1. The internal cause 1)The optimistic mood of the nation following the national political independence inspired the romantic feeling and cried for literary expression. 2) T

40、he fertile literary milieu. A media for people to express their opinions.2. The external cause The influences of the European romanticism (Walter Scott, Wordsworth, Byron, etc.) Features of American Romanticism Both imitative and independent 1. American Romanticism is imitative. 1) American romantic

41、 writing was modeled on English and European works (Writers of imitative school: Irving and New England poets p43) 2) Common features due to foreign influences: Emphasis upon the imaginative and emotional qualities of literature, individualism, interest to the past, love of nature, etc. 3) The favor

42、ite themes: home, family and children, nature, and idealized love. indifferent to the major problems American life(p43)2. American Romanticism is Independent. Distinct features of its own1) New spirit and alien quality The exotic landscape Westward expansion The Indian civilization The new spirit of

43、 the new men (p38 Crevecoeurs idea of new man)2) Puritan influence (p42)American Romantic authors intended to moralize more than entertain the readers Taboos in American works e.g. sex and love The mark of Calvinistic view of original sin and the mystery of evil in some works3) Writers of independen

44、t school (p44) A calling for the creation of a native American culture and literature (Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, etc.) Washington Irving (1783-1859) Father of American LiteratureBiographical NotesNew York merchant family (1783)first book (1809) England (1815)American diplomatic attach to Spain (182

45、6-1829)Secretary of the United States Legation in London (1829-1832)Returned to America (1932) and began to live in his “Sunnyside” to the rest of his lifedied in 1859 Historical significance of Irving (p45)1. Father of American literature 2. The author of the first American short stories 3. His The

46、 Sketch Book marked the beginning of American Romanticism Two periods of literary career A. The 1st period (1809-1832) Predominantly “English”, writing about subjects either English or European; found value in the past and in the traditions of the old world, depicted “ruins” and objects of antiquity

47、. Major works of the 1st periodA History of New York (1809) The Sketch Book (1815) The History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus (1825) A Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada (1829) The Alhambra (1832)B. The 2nd period (1833-1859) Found new spirit of America, writing about the American

48、 beauty and experience, such as westward expansionMajor works of the 2nd periodA Tour on the Prairies(1835); Astoria(1836); Adventures of Captain Bonneville (1837)Life of GoldsmithLife of WashingtonFeatures of Irvings Writings (p47)Avoid moralizing; write to amuse and entertainRich atmosphereVivid c

49、haracterizationAmerican humorThe musical language (the American Goldsmith)Rip Van WinkleThe Story (p48)Characterization of Rip Van Winkle (p47)How to read?Three aspects:1. a story about a hen-pecked husband.2. a story about time, change and identity.3. a story about the independence war; a political

50、 reading.3. Analysis The theme of escapement: in the request of an ideal place to live The conservative attitude of Irving: change and revolution upset the natural order of thingsnostalgia for the unrecoverable past“山中方一日，世上已千年”晋朝时，有位名叫王质的樵夫，进到位于今浙江省衢州城东南的石室山伐木，遇见几位仙童对弈、吟曲。王质在一旁观棋、听曲入迷，仙童递给他一枚状如枣核的仙

51、果，含在嘴里便不觉得饥渴，没过多久，仙童提醒他该回家了，此时，王质见其伐木用的斧柄已烂尽。当他归家之后，方知同辈之人皆已作古。 南朝任昉述异记 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The legend of headless horseman A spirit appeared in the form of a headless figure riding on a horses back. It was said that it was the ghost of some nameless soldier whose head had been shot away in

52、battle during the revolutionary war. The Story: Ichabod Crane Vs. Brom Bones for the love of Katrina Van TasselIrvings art of creating archetypes (p49)Ichabod Crane: a city slickerBrom Bones: a country bumpkinThe rivalry between them represented the contest between two ethical groupsJ. F. Cooper (17

53、89-1851)Biographical NotesA rich land-holding family, being expelled from Yale college1806-1807 Five-year sea experienceBegan his literary career by accidentThe Spy(1821), his 2nd novel was a successMore than 30 novels and a great number of other writingsKnown as the author of the Leatherstocking Ta

54、les II. Coopers significance1. Cooper is the first real national writer who hit upon the native subject of frontier and wilderness and introduced the “western” tradition into American literature. 2 .Cooper is considered as the first American writer in the writing of three types of novels:Historical

55、romance: The SpySea adventure tales: The Pilot Frontier novel: Leatherstocking Tales3. Cooper wrote about Indians who are among the first Indians to appear in American fiction. III. The Importance of the Leatherstocking Tales (1)Leatherstocking Tales create a myth about a new nation struggling to be

56、 born, revealed the progress from old age to rebirth and youth. The order of their appearance in print (p53) The order of Natty Bumppos life stages C. The significance of the orderFirst as European immigrants, the Americans crept out of the restraints of the traditions in the old world and gradually

57、 came in their own. The five Cooper tales constitute a mythic reproduction of the whole process.IV. Coopers Writing FeaturesStrong points of his writing: There is a variety of incidents and tension, complicated plot and structure, and a beautiful description of nature. Weak points of his writing Coo

58、pers style is dreadful. His characterization is week and his language, especially his use of dialect, is not authentic. V. Coopers idea in literary creation (p54)Cooper was troubled by the “poverty of materials” in America. He complained about the absence of lords or castles and the lack of events i

59、n America. He held that it was the business of the American writer to discover new sources of fiction. He cast a glance backward in time. Thus, he hit upon the native subject of frontier and wildness. A. The order of their appearance in print The Pioneers (1823) 开拓者 The Last of the Mohicans (1826) 最

60、后一个莫希干人 The Prairie(1827) 大草原 The Pathfinder(1840) 探路者 The Deerslayer(1841) 杀鹿将B. The order of Bumppos life stages The Pioneers ; The Prairie the old and dying leatherstiocking The Last of the Mohicans, and The Pathfinder the middle-aged mature man The Deerslayer leatherstiocking in his youthThe Pio