American literature classwork #1 Pair Group Activity

1. Who were the puritans and where were they settled in the New World?
The puritans were intellectual colonist who wanted education to understand and
execute God’s will as they stablished their colonies their colonies throughout New
England
2. What was the definition of good writing for Puritans?
The puritan’s definition of good writing was that which brought home a full awareness
of the importance of worshipping God and of the spiritual dangers that the soul faced
on Earth.
3. How the Puritan’s interpretation of things and events surrounding them influenced the
literary works of that time?
The puritans interpreted all things and events as symbols with deeper spiritual
meanings, and felt that in advancing their own profit and their community’s well-
being, they are also furthering God’s will. They did not draw lines of distinction
between the secular and religious spheres: all life was an expression of the divine will –
a belief that later resurfaces in Transcendentalism.
In recording ordinary events
4. Who was William Bradford? What was his masterpiece?

5. Who was Anne Bradstreet? Which type of literary work did she write? What is her
most outstanding work? What is the main message of her writing pieces?
6. What are some facts about Edward Taylor’s life? What professions were own by such
an important poet? What is his best work as a poet?
7. Who is Michael Wigglesworth? What is his most outstanding work?
8. What is another name for Cotton Mather? Mention his masterwork and list its
characteristics
9. Why John Woolman important during this period? List some of his literary works.
10. Why was Jonathan Edwards different from the previous author? What masterpiece
represent his best work?