Contemporary Literature - Essay Example

American Literature in Colonial Period It may be argued that one of the most remarkable eras in America as far as literature is concerned is the Colonial Period which is marked with rich history following the state’s conquest by the British men. Colonial Period is characterized by the arrival of Englishmen in early 17th century in an attempt to create colonies in America. While they were not successful in acquiring wealth as the Spanish explorers were, they were able to bring culture and religion to America, greatly influencing the literature at that time.

While it is true that literature during this time lags behind its European contemporaries in terms of creative imagery in poem, theater and novels, American writers did produce a remarkable body of literature focused on non-fiction and autobiographies of great men. Indeed, American literature during this time is highly coherent to its culture (Daly 187). One of the most prominent writings during this time is that of Captain John Smith, one of the greatest leaders of the English colonizers who played a huge role in the stabilizing the colony.

Perhaps, because of his endeavor, his works, distributed in pamphlets, concern mostly the difference between the two cultures emphasizing the self-righteousness and greed of Americans – something which was contradicted by the works of William Bradford and John Winthrop who reported more on the selflessness of men and women of that time (Gura 339). True enough, the ideas of cultural historians and critical theorists have dominated the American Colonial literature (Gura 338). Moreover, American colonial literature is also marked with religiosity.

It is noteworthy that another batch of British colonizers arrived in order to introduce a religion in America that is separate from the Church of England. These Puritans have influenced American writers who embraced the religion to write something theological in nature. Literary works concerning religion come in the form of poems, sermons and personal journals. Basically, these texts are reflection of the writers’ faith. One influential theologian was Jonathan Edwards who wrote “History of the Work of Redemption” which consist of thirty sermons which he also preached (Munk 566).

His work is very much reflective of his interpretation of the bible particularly of the story of Moses. Just like the Puritans of his time, Edwards acknowledged the presence of Christ as early as the stories in the Old Testament. In the story of Moses, for example, Edwards preached that the angel who appeared before Moses was in fact, Christ, the messiah (Munk 566). The same kind of interpretation was reflected in the works of Edward Taylor who used religious symbolisms such as the tabernacle in his literary works which were mostly presented in sermons just like those of Edwards (Munk 566).

Other Americans Puritans include Anne Bradstreet who used poems and journals in expressing her spiritual feelings. John Winthrop, a contemporary of Bradstreet was also known for his journals and sermons. Despite the differences in the forms of literature used, it remains clearly evident how the American literature during the colonial period revolves around religious themes. Nonetheless, while it seems that American literature in the Colonial Period is simply a branch of English literature, it was said that American literature during that time is the continuation rather than a branch of English literature (Daly 189).

For instance, as mentioned previously, Captain John Smith wrote his observations of American culture which led to the production of new literary works to contradict his works. In addition, English Puritans may indeed brought religious themes in America but the emergence of American Puritans in the characters of John Winthrop and Ann Bradstreet – to name a few – brought an entirely different perspective of the religion. Daly (187) believes that there remains to be something in American works that makes it distinct in its own sense.

While the themes mostly concern the colonial culture and literature, all these remain to be perceptions formed in the American mind (Gura 310). Works Cited Daly, Robert. “Recognizing Early American Literature.” Early American Literature 25.2 (1990): 187-199. Print. Gura, Philip. “The Study of Colonial American Literature.” The William and Mary Quarterly 45.2 (1988): 305-341. Print. Munk, Linda. The Devil’s Mousetrap: Redemption and Colonial American Literature. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997. Print.