Characteristics Of Colonial American Literature

Jordan Whitaker

Rogan

ENG 231

When English citizens started to emigrate to colonial American from England they brought all that they could carry in their hands and their religious beliefs. These strong religious beliefs are evident in the writings of colonial American literature. Early American life was affected primarily by Religion and literature provides the evidence to show the bond between religion and early American life. Colonial literature from writers such as William Bradford, John Winthrop, and Cotton Mather are written in simple, yet expressive tones that represent the history of colonial times. These things include the key rules to live by according to the Pilgrim and Puritan beliefs, accompanied with the punishments that go along with violating

In Europe during the early 1600s the largest religion was of the Protestant faith, as this had been implemented by King James. However, the basis of this religion had many characteristics that resembled the Catholic Church. Although different at the same time, as religion was governed by the state, and the people were obliged follow the government’s religion under King James rule. There were however a growing number of people who did not agree with how King James interpreted the teachings of the bible. This growing group decided to take extreme measures and flee Europe in hope of seeking religious tolerance, these people traveled to America. In this group was the smart and well educated William Bradford. Bradford and his group known as the pilgrims arrived in America in 1620. The strength of this group relied on their core of common religious reliefs and a strong will to create and thrive in an environment that was free of religious persecution as they know they would have suffered quite horribly for practicing freedom of religion. The pilgrim settlement began its separation from the English Protestant faith, and others soon saw this opportunity to flee to the New World and followed the pilgrims.