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美国文学史PPT课件

2. 19th_century American Literature 1) Romanticism; 2)Realism; 3)Naturalism 3. American Literature of the 20th century and the
present 1)modernism; 2)postmodernism
— John Updike: “Bitter Bamboo”
What is the implication of Updike’s comment ? Do you agderstanding about American literature and culture at present?
B) Simple, fresh, direct, plain, a touch of nobility
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Periodization of American Literature Key Themes in American Literature
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Periodization of American Literature
A General Introduction to American Literature
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Discussions
China, experts agree, is the nation of the future […] The commercial and intellectual success its emigrants have enjoyed in nations from Malaysia to the United States all augur (预示) impending global dominance. In literature, however, the Chinese mainland, as far as Western ears go, is pretty quiet. […] Bookstores, the Times reports, are bustling, but nearly half the purchases consist of textbooks and half the translations are of American books.
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The Literary Scene in Colonial America (ab.1607-1765)
Humble origins: diaries, histories, journals, letters, travel books, sermons.
Characteristics: in content—ponderously religious or serving colonial expansion or both; in form—imitating and transplanting English literary tradition; loosely structured and long sentences
American Puritans
American Puritans believed they were chosen by God to build an ideal community in America by leading a moral, simple and hardworking life.
Do you know the reason for the year of 1620 to be an important mark in American history? Why is the United States also called the New World by some people?
They were intolerant and strictly punished drunks, adulterers, violators of the Sabbath and other religious believers different from themselves.
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Influence of American Puritanism upon American literature
1. Two major undercurrents in American literature: moods of optimism and frustration
2. writing style:
A) distinctively American symbolism: in relation to the Puritan’s metaphorical mode of perception about the world—the phenomenal world is nothing but a symbol of God.
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William Bradford(1590-1567) Of Plymouth Plantation: to deliberate the religious and idealistic nature of their colonizing undertaking
1. Early American Literature (17th century and 18th century)
1) The Literary Scene in Colonial America (ab.16071765)
2) Literature of Enlightenment and Revolution (17651790s)
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Core Doctrines of Puritanism
1.Absolute will of God (Bible ) 2.Original Sin (total depravity) 3.Predestination and limited atonement (the
elect)
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