- Puritans: The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to “purify” the Church of England from within. They believed in strict religious discipline, simplicity, and moral purity. One example of Puritan literature in the Norton Anthology is Anne Bradstreet’s poem, “To My Dear and Loving Husband.” Bradstreet expresses her deep love and devotion to her husband in this poem. Still, she also acknowledges the transient nature of earthly love and emphasizes the importance of spiritual love and eternal life. This reflects the Puritan belief in religious devotion and pursuing heavenly rewards over worldly pleasures.
- Pilgrims: The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who established the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts in 1620. They were seeking religious freedom and autonomy from the Church of England. One primary text example of Pilgrim literature is William Bradford’s “Of Plymouth Plantation.” In this historical account, Bradford narrates the Pilgrims’ journey aboard the Mayflower and their early experiences in the New World. He describes their struggles, such as harsh weather conditions and the loss of lives, but highlights their determination and faith in God’s providence. Bradford’s account provides insight into the Pilgrims’ motivations and pursuit of religious liberty.
- Captivity Narrative: A captivity narrative is a genre of literature that recounts the experiences of individuals captured and held captive by Native Americans or other non-European groups. These narratives often served to reinforce stereotypes of Native Americans as savages and to emphasize the triumph of Christian civilization over indigenous cultures. One example of a captivity narrative in the Norton Anthology is Mary Rowlandson’s “A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson.” In this account, Rowlandson describes her capture by Native Americans during King Philip’s War and her subsequent captivity. She details the hardships she endured, the loss of loved ones, and her eventual release. Rowlandson’s narrative reflects the prevailing Eurocentric perspective of the time, depicting the Native Americans as cruel and uncivilized.
- James the Farmer: “James the Farmer” refers to James Otis, an American lawyer and political activist during the colonial period. He was known for his opposition to British taxation policies and his argument against the writs of assistance, which were general search warrants that allowed British officials to search colonists’ properties without specific evidence of wrongdoing. In the Norton Anthology, an example of James Otis’ writings can be found in his pamphlet “The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved.” In this work, Otis argues that the British government’s violation of colonial rights by enforcing arbitrary searches undermines the fundamental principles of English law and threatens the colonists’ liberties. Otis’s writings influenced colonial opposition to British rule and contributed to the ideas of American independence.
- Slave Narrative: A slave narrative is an autobiographical account written by a formerly enslaved person, often intending to expose the harsh realities of slavery and advocate for its abolition. Slave narratives played a significant role in shaping public opinion and fueling the abolitionist movement. One example of a slave narrative in the Norton Anthology is Frederick Douglass’s “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.” In this powerful narrative, Douglass recounts his experiences as an enslaved person, including the physical and psychological abuse he endured, the dehumanizing conditions of slavery, and his eventual escape to freedom. Through his narrative, Douglass exposes the brutalities of slavery and challenges the racist assumptions and prejudices of his time.
