Colonial Period's Influence on American Literature

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Events in the Colonial Period have had great influences on our American Literature throughout the years. Starting with encounters and foundations in the 1800's, to Native American oral traditions. Myths, poems, and stories were told frequently around this time talking about culture, metamorphoses, and archetypes. Figurative language was given through the form of sermons while vivid Imagery was enhanced to show us the true emotions the speaker was giving. Ideas about virtue and self improvement were specified by rationalism which reflected on their beliefs. Important documents and speeches showed us connections between the main ideas, details, and purposes. Many historical events played significant roles in the makings of today's literature starting with getting important messages across to people. A way people would do this was to talk in the form of a sermon. For example, revivalist preacher, Jonathan Edwards, gave a sermon like no other in the year of 1741. "..his anger is as great towards them as to those that are actually suffering the executions of the fierceness of his wrath in hell, and they have done nothing in the least to appease or abate …show more content…

The Iriquois Constitution, The Declaration of Sentiments, and The Declaration of Independence, are few of many ways the American Colony has been affected. The Iriquois Constitution was designed to further peace with the native Americans. The Declaration of Sentiments was made to entitle the rights to women for equality of all citizens. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson which states the right to life, liberty, and happiness for all. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men.."

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