Post Test: American Literature Through The Eighteenth Century

Post-Test: American Literature Through the Eighteenth Century

This post-test covers key themes, authors, and works of American literature from its beginnings to the end of the eighteenth century. It's designed to assess your understanding of this foundational period, exploring the evolution of American identity, the impact of historical events, and the development of distinct literary styles. Use this as a comprehensive review before your exam, focusing on the areas where you feel less confident.

Section 1: Early American Literature & Colonial Voices (Pre-1700s)

This section focuses on the literature produced before the establishment of the United States, reflecting the diverse experiences of early settlers and the evolving relationship between the colonies and Europe.

1.1 Key Characteristics of Early American Literature:

• Emphasis on religious themes and didacticism: Much of the early literature served a moral or religious purpose, often focusing on Puritan beliefs and values. Consider the role of sermons, diaries, and captivity narratives in shaping the literary landscape.
• Exploration of the New World: Early writings often focused on describing the environment, encountering indigenous populations, and the challenges of establishing new settlements. Think about the travel narratives and accounts of exploration that emerged.
• Development of a distinct American voice: Even in the early period, nascent elements of a unique American literary style began to emerge, distinct from its European counterparts. What were those emerging stylistic elements?

1.2 Significant Authors and Works:

• William Bradford: Of Plymouth Plantation. Analyze its historical significance and its portrayal of the Pilgrims' experiences. How does Bradford’s account shape our understanding of early colonial life?
• Anne Bradstreet: Consider her poems, especially "To My Dear and Loving Husband" and "Upon the Burning of Our House," and analyze her themes of faith, family, and the challenges faced by women in the colonial period. How does her work challenge or reinforce traditional gender roles?
• Jonathan Edwards: Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. This sermon is a prime example of Puritan religious fervor. Analyze its rhetorical strategies and its impact on its audience. What makes this sermon so powerful and enduring?
• Mary Rowlandson: A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson. Analyze this captivity narrative and its portrayal of the encounter between colonists and Native Americans. How does it reflect the anxieties and prejudices of the time?

Section 2: The Enlightenment and the Rise of American Identity (1700-1776)

This era saw a shift towards reason, individualism, and a growing sense of American identity separate from Britain. The Enlightenment profoundly influenced literary styles and themes.

2.1 Key Themes of Enlightenment Literature:

• Reason and logic: Enlightenment thinkers emphasized reason and scientific inquiry over faith and tradition. How did this impact literary styles and subject matter?
• Individualism and self-reliance: The emphasis on individual rights and freedoms found its way into literature, emphasizing the capacity and autonomy of the individual. Think about the implications of this shift for literary characters and narratives.
• Political discourse and revolution: The growing tensions between the colonies and Britain fueled a burgeoning political discourse, reflected in pamphlets, essays, and other writings. Consider how literature contributed to the revolutionary movement.

2.2 Significant Authors and Works:

• Benjamin Franklin: Poor Richard's Almanack and Autobiography. Analyze Franklin's contributions to American literature and his image as a self-made man. How does he represent the ideals of the Enlightenment?
• Phillis Wheatley: Consider her poems and their unique blend of religious piety, classical allusions, and the expression of a Black woman's experience in colonial America. What makes her poetry so significant in the context of eighteenth-century literature?
• Thomas Paine: Common Sense and The American Crisis. Analyze Paine's persuasive rhetoric and his pivotal role in shaping public opinion during the American Revolution. What are the key rhetorical strategies that made these works so effective?
• Olaudah Equiano: The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. This powerful autobiography provides a firsthand account of the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. How does it challenge the prevailing social and political order of the time?

Section 3: The Revolutionary Era and its Literary Aftermath (1776-1800)

The American Revolution and its aftermath significantly impacted the nation's literature, giving rise to new themes and styles.

3.1 Key Themes of Revolutionary Literature:

• Patriotism and national identity: The literature of this period often celebrated American independence and the formation of a new nation. Consider how this sense of national identity is expressed in various literary forms.
• Political satire and commentary: Writers used satire to critique political figures and systems, promoting reform and challenging established power structures.
• Exploration of republican ideals: The establishment of a republic spurred literary exploration of its philosophical foundations, focusing on liberty, equality, and self-governance. How were these ideals manifested in literary works of the time?

3.2 Significant Authors and Works:

• Thomas Jefferson: The Declaration of Independence. Analyze its rhetorical power and its impact on the course of history. What are the core arguments and principles articulated in this pivotal document?
• Mercy Otis Warren: Consider her plays and poems, and their critique of British policies and the celebration of American independence. How does her work contribute to a more complete understanding of the revolutionary period?
• Judith Sargent Murray: Analyze her essays and their advocacy for women's education and equality. How does she challenge gender norms and advocate for women's intellectual capabilities?
• The Federalist Papers (James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay): Analyze these essays and their arguments for ratifying the Constitution. How do they reflect the political and philosophical debates of the time?

Section 4: Genres and Literary Styles

This section focuses on the prevalent literary forms and styles of the period.

4.1 Key Literary Genres:

• Sermons: Analyze the role of sermons in shaping religious beliefs and social values.
• Diaries and Journals: Consider the intimate insights provided by personal writings into the lives and experiences of individuals.
• Captivity Narratives: Analyze the representation of encounters with Native Americans and the challenges of survival in the wilderness.
• Travel Narratives: Explore the descriptions of the landscape, the encounters with indigenous populations, and the challenges of establishing new settlements.
• Essays: Consider the development of the essay as a form of reasoned argument and persuasive writing.
• Poetry: Analyze the various poetic styles and themes prevalent during this period.
• Pamphlets: Analyze the impact of pamphlets in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse.
• Autobiographies: Consider the importance of autobiographical writing in shaping individual identity and national narratives.
• Plays: Analyze the themes and dramatic techniques used in plays of this period.

4.2 Key Literary Styles:

• Puritan Plain Style: Characterized by simplicity and directness of expression.
• Enlightenment Rationalism: Emphasis on reason, logic, and scientific inquiry.
• Neoclassicism: Influenced by classical literature and emphasizing order, harmony, and restraint.
• Sentimentalism: Emphasizing emotion and feeling, often focusing on domesticity and virtue.

Section 5: Themes and Motifs

Recurring themes and motifs permeate the literature of this period.

5.1 Key Themes:

• Religious faith and doubt: Explore the tension between faith and reason, and the evolving religious landscape of the colonies.
• The relationship between Europeans and Native Americans: Analyze the various perspectives and portrayals of these interactions.
• The development of American identity: Trace the evolution of a distinct American culture and national consciousness.
• The struggle for freedom and independence: Analyze the literary expressions of the desire for liberty and self-governance.
• Gender roles and women's experiences: Examine the challenges faced by women in the colonial and revolutionary periods.
• Slavery and its impact: Analyze the representations of slavery and the voices of those who experienced its brutal realities.

5.2 Key Motifs:

• Nature: Consider the role of nature in shaping both the physical and spiritual lives of the colonists.
• Community and social order: Analyze the importance of community and the structures that governed colonial life.
• Progress and civilization: Explore the competing visions of progress and the challenges of building a new society.
• Freedom and liberty: Analyze the concept of freedom and its multiple interpretations throughout the period.

This comprehensive review covers the major aspects of American literature through the eighteenth century. Remember to focus on the authors, works, and themes discussed, analyzing their historical context, literary techniques, and lasting significance. Good luck with your post-test! Remember to consult your course materials and notes for a more in-depth understanding. This post-test is intended as a guide and a supplement to your studies, not a replacement for them.