Essay on Values In Early American Literature - 1346 Words

Values in Early American Literature We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, says the Declaration of Independence. This phrase encompasses three major values shown throughout early American literature. The strong belief in religion, freedom, and a strong will for a better life. Each piece had one or more of these themes within them. A strong value within almost all the writing was religion, both Native American and Puritan. Most Native American tales are based around a god or a moral expressed by a god. In Coyote Finishes His Work Coyote does all his work†¦show more content†¦The Puritan religion was the basis for other works such as Anne Bradstreet. And to my God my heart did cry, to strengthen me in my distress, and not leave me succorless. This is from a poem called, Here Follow Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10 1666. This particular piece entails the happenings of the Bradstreet homestead burning. During this difficult time Anne often speaks to God about letting go of her worldly possessions. Religion is one of the many things that helped new settlers through the beginning years of America. Another value that helped during this time was freedom. Freedom, its been ever present since the pilgrims first set foot upon the land soon to be called America. It was the reason for coming over and the reason for fighting against British rule. It is one of the values that stayed with every member of this country to this day. America will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign dominion. So states Thomas Paines From the crisis, No.1. This discusses the wish to free the American colonies from British rule. Most Americans did not believe England had the right to tax and create laws for America when they were an ocean away. They felt it was time to free them entirely from English rule and become an inde pendent country. Freedom was even present before the time of the Revolutionary war. WhenShow MoreRelatedPuritanism in American Literature Essay1149 Words   |  5 PagesPuritanism in American Literature The Puritans had a large influence in American literature and still influence moral judgment and religious beliefs in the United States to this day. Puritan writing was used to glorify God and to relate God more directly to our world. 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