American Literature Unit One: Early American and Colonial Period through 1776

American Literature Unit One: Early American and Colonial Period through 1776 Lima 2011-2012

Beginnings… • American literature begins with the orally transmitted myths, legend, tales and lyrics of Native American cultures • There was no written literature among the Native American tribes • There were over 500 different Indian languages and tribal cultures in Northern America before the first Europeans arrived.

Characteristics and Types of Native American Stories • Display a reverence of Nature as a spiritual and physical Mother • Nature is alive and endowed with spiritual forces • Main characters of stories were often plants and animals • Poems, songs and chants • Often used in traditional ceremonies • Spiritual in tone • Often about Nature • Stories of Culture Heroes: Trickster Tales • Tricksters – mischievous protagonists who are cunning • Help transform the world to its present state • Creation myths

Creation Myths, Continued • Creation myth- explains how the universe, earth and life began • Essentially religious and present the cosmic views (how the world is organized) of the cultural groups that create them • Joseph Campbell – scholar and mythology expert • Four Functions of Myth • Instill a sense of awe towards the mystery of the universe • Explain the workings of the natural world (cosmology) • Support and validate social customs • To guide people through the trials of living

American Literature Unit One: Early American and Colonial Period through 1776