The English Literature of Colonization and Puritanism in Early America
TEMA 1: The English Literature of Colonization
1. The Literature of Exploration
We can find the first written manifestations with the chronicles of travelers and early colonizers. Some prominent figures include:
- Thomas Harriot: A Brief and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia (1588)
- John Smith: A True Relation of Virginia (1608), A Map of Virginia (1612), and General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles (1624)
- Arthur Barlowe: First Voyage to Virginia (1584)
Characteristics:
Geographical accounts of newly found lands were published, with Virginia being the primary destination. The intention was to inform readers about the colonial enterprise. These chronicles hold historical interest as they provide insights into the events in America.
These chronicles related facts such as:
- 1605: First abortive attempt to establish a settlement in Maine.
- 1607: Jamestown was founded by a London company. The settlers chose a location near water to establish a community.
On Colonial Chronicles:
Many chronicles were not objective, portraying America as an idealized image of the English Renaissance—an Arcadia brimming with nature, a Garden of Eden. However, John Smith, known for his motto “work or starve,” did not exaggerate the potential for wealth and presented a more truthful account. His tale of Pocahontas remains the most famous.
Europeans arrived, occupying the land for tobacco agriculture and hunting. Native Americans did not readily yield to the newcomers, leading to conflicts.
The Indians in the Eyes of Europeans:
Native Americans possessed a rich oral tradition but lacked a written one. This was perceived as a sign of inferiority, fostering the belief that America was meant for European domination.
In the 16th century, Indians were deemed inferior, often cast in subservient roles, expected to obey Europeans. By the 17th century, their presence was largely ignored, rendering them obscure and dangerous figures.
Europeans believed that God had created America for them to expand their civilization, highlighting the concept of Manifest Destiny.
2. The Puritans
The Puritans were radical Calvinists who dissented from the Church of England. They believed the English Church should encompass all Englishmen. In 1620, they planned their escape to America, sailing on the Mayflower in September.
Their Principles:
- To be cleansed of envy, vanity, and lust.
- They valued plainness and simplicity.
- They saw their mission to bring Christianity to America as divinely ordained.
Influences:
- God’s predestined plan for eternal damnation or salvation.
- The accumulation of wealth through work as a sign of being chosen for heaven.
- The Bible as a central text, reinterpreting their voyage to America in biblical terms, seeing themselves as the new chosen people.
Key Figures and Settlements:
John Winthrop: City Upon a Hill (1630) – advocating for a model society.
- The Plymouth Colony: Led by William Bradford, focused on religious freedom.
- The Massachusetts Bay Colony: Led by John Winthrop, establishing a theocracy.
The first Puritan colonies established self-governing communities centered around congregations, enjoying religious freedom from external state control. The Pilgrims gradually embraced self-reliance, individualism, and optimism.
Literature:
Common genres included sermons, biographies, diaries, and autobiographies. The style was Protestant, reflecting the Puritan way of life. The purpose was to glorify God using the language of the Old Testament. Common themes included idealism, pragmatism, practicality, and a sense of mission.
Narrative of Captivity:
This genre explored themes of God’s sovereignty and goodness, often in the context of King Philip’s War, highlighting God’s grace amidst violence and hardship.
Authors:
- William Bradford: Of Plymouth Plantation (1630-1651)
- John Winthrop: City Upon a Hill (1630)
- Anne Bradstreet: To My Dear and Loving Husband, The Author to Her Book
- Mary Rowlandson: Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration (1682)
TEMA 3: The Foundations of Puritanism
Foundations of Christian Theology
Christian theology was influenced by Greek philosophy, particularly Plato. The soul was divided into three parts: reason, will, and appetites. The Church was considered a sanctuary in a fallen world, offering the only path to salvation.
- The Bible replaced the Church as the direct link between the individual and God’s grace.
- Scripture became the authoritative basis of faith, with faith being the sole prerequisite for God’s grace.
- Printing and vernacular translations made the Bible accessible to literate individuals.
- The pulpit replaced the altar as the central focus in the reformed church.
John Calvin was a pivotal figure in the development of Puritanism. He advocated the doctrine of predestination: all events are predetermined by God, who foreknows who will be saved and who will be damned.
A group of Puritans journeyed to America to establish a new society based on the Bible, forging a new covenant with God. They viewed the world as a wilderness, with the church of the elect serving as a garden. Evil was pervasive, requiring suppression through inner discipline.