英国文学重点知识

1Colonial Period (1607-1775)---Puritanism Major Writers & Literary Works Captain John Smith William Bradford John Winthrop Anne Bradstreet III. Main types of writing: diaries, histories, journals, letters, travel books, autobiographies/biographies, sermons IV. Captain John Smith (1580—1631) True Relation of Virginia (1608) Description of New England (1616) General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles (1624) Puritanism in America Puritanism 清教主义Puritanism is the practices and beliefs of puritans. Doctrines: - Predestination - Original sin and total depravity (human beings are basically evil.) - Limited atonement (or the Salvation of a selected few) Puritan values (creeds): Hard work, thrift, piety, sobriety, simple tastes. Puritans are more practical, tougher, and to be ever ready for any misfortune and tragic failure. They are optimistic. Influence -- one of the most enduring shaping influences in American thought and American literature. -- American literature is based on a myth, i.e. the Biblical myth of the Garden of Eden. -- tendency to moralize. - Puritanism can be compared with Chinese Confucianism. American Puritanism&Chinese Confucianism 1) powerful shaping factor in the cultural maturity of the nation; 2) burned its way into the very fabric of social life and way down into people’s consciousness; puritan style of writing fresh, simple, direct rhetoric is plain, honest influence of bible moralize Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) The first publication of a book of poems in America, the first publication by a woman in America.

2She also wrote The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America in 1650. Anne Bradstreet (1612—1672) 安妮.布雷特兹里特 The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America ----published in Britain in 1650 by her brother-in-law Several Poems Compiled with a Great Variety of Wit and Learning, Full of Delight ----the first edition of her poetry in North America in 1678 after her death Contemplation ----a long poem imitated Edmund Spenser both in rhythm and theme Upon the Burning of Our House To My Dear and Loving Husband Age of Enlightenment General Backgrounds –dominant thought (1) Enlightenment An 18th-century movement that focused on the ideals of good sense, benevolence, and a belief in liberty, justice, and equality as the natural rights of man.. It advocated reason or rationality, the scientific method, equality and human beings ’ability to perfect themselves and their society. Originated in Europe: 17th C Resources: Newton’s theory; deism Basic principles: stressing education; Reason (Order); employing reason to reconsider the traditions and social realities; concern for civil rights –equality, justice Significance: accelerating social progress; freeing people from the limitations set by prevailing Puritanism; making spiritual preparation for Am, Revolution. Representatives: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson Influence on Literature In form: imitating English classical writers In content: utilitarian tendency ( for political or educational purpose) （2）The Great Awakening (1730s—1740s) A series of religious revivals that swept over the American colonies about the middle of 18th century. The main aim is to revive people’s enthusiasm towards Calvinism. In New England it was started by Jonathan Edwards. Major writers 3.1 two representatives of Puritanism in two aspects Jonathan Edwards (1703—1785) 乔纳森.爱德华兹 ---Outstanding representative of Puritanism --the last great voice to re-assert Calvinism in America. His Works Personal Narrative 《自述》

3Freedom of the Will 《意志的自由》 The Doctrine of Original Sin Defend《原罪说辩》 The Nature of True Virtue 《真正美德的本质》 Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God 《发怒的上帝手中的罪人》 Images or Shadows of Divine Things 《神灵的形影》 Jonathan Edwards’ Points of view (1) Regeneration of man(人的来世): He urges his people to enjoy the sweetness of “conversion”(转变).  (2) God’s presence: God is the source of all being, the substance of all life. God made the world by an extension of Himself, he manifests Himself in nature and man, and that man, being a part of God, is divine(神圣的). –his sense of God’s overwhelming presence in nature and in soul anticipated the Transcendentalism. His Position 1 He was the last great voice that was ever heard in America to reassert the Calvinist stance so as to bring the people back to its fold. 2 He was in part instrumental in bringing about the Great Awakening 3 He was the first modern American and the country’s last medieval man. Benjamin Franklin (1706—1790)本杰明.富兰克林 The Autobiography 《自传》—first of its kind in liter. Its Significance/ 1) It is the first of its kind in American literature. 2) It is a puritan document of its self-examination & self-improvement. (Franklin’s 13 virtues) 3) a success story of self-reliance, the book celebrates, in fact, the fulfillment of the American dream 4) It is regarded as one of the most important works of American literature produced during the 18th century. 5) he represents American idea--- man is basically good and free by nature, endowed by God with certain inalienable(不可剥夺的) rights of liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 7) The Autobiography is in the pattern of Puritan simplicity, directness, and concision. 思考题 小结：Edwards vs Franklin Similarity---Both were inheritors of the puritan tradition. Both came from the same parent stock, the Puritanism of New England. Differences----They moved in different directions: Puritan idealism vs materialism. Edwards used Calvinist beliefs and tenets to stage a series of religious revivals, --the great awakening in north America from 1735 to 1750. Franklin used deism as an effective practical support to the new ideas of progress. With him as spokesman, 18th C Am. Experienced enlightenment, reason and order like England and Europe.