HISTORY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE - Colonial Period (1607–1765) - Puritanism, Religious Literature, Plain Style - Historical Timeline & Major Characteristics

Sep 24, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr

Colonial Period (1607–1765) marks the beginning of American literature, grounded in the founding of Jamestown in 1607 and shaped by Puritan migration seeking religious freedom. Writing focused less on entertainment and more on glorifying God, recording personal experiences, and documenting colonial hardships. Key events such as Plymouth Colony, the Salem Witch Trials, and the Great Awakening influenced colonial thought and expression. Major characteristics include Puritan morality and salvation themes, the dominance of sermons and spiritual reflections, and a plain style using simple, direct language to avoid distractions from God’s message.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time22 min

AccessFree to download

Colonial Period (1607–1765)

The Age of Puritanism and Early American Settlement

Historical Timeline

Major Characteristics

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1. Colonial Period (1607–1765)
"The Age of Puritanism and Early American Settlement"
The Colonial Period marks the beginning of American literature with the establishment of the Jamestown Colony in Virginia in 1607, the first permanent English settlement in North America. During this period, thousands of Puritans migrated to America seeking religious freedom from the Church of England. Their strict religious beliefs deeply influenced the literature of the time. Most writings were not created for entertainment but to glorify God, record personal experiences, and document the hardships of colonial life. The period also witnessed the founding of Plymouth Colony (1620), the Salem Witch Trials (1692), and the Great Awakening (1730s–1740s), all of which shaped colonial thought and writing.
Historical Timeline
• 1607 – Jamestown founded (Virginia)
• 1620 – Pilgrims arrive on the Mayflower; Plymouth Colony established
• 1630 – Massachusetts Bay Colony founded by Puritans
• 1692 – Salem Witch Trials
• 1730–1740s – Great Awakening (Religious Revival)
• 1754–1763 – French and Indian War
• 1765 – Beginning of the Revolutionary Period

Major Characteristics
1. Puritanism-Puritan writers believed life should glorify God. Their writings emphasized morality, hard work, discipline, and salvation.
2. Religious Literature- Most works consisted of sermons, religious essays, prayers, and spiritual reflections rather than fiction.
3. Plain Style-The language was simple, direct, and free from ornament because Puritans believed excessive literary decoration distracted readers from God's message.
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HISTORY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE

WONDERING MINDS PAID CONTENT

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FAQs

What events define the start of American literature in the Colonial Period?

The Colonial Period begins with the establishment of the Jamestown Colony in 1607. It is also shaped by later founding and crises such as Plymouth Colony in 1620 and the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.

Why did Puritans influence literature during this period?

Puritans believed life should glorify God, so their writing emphasized morality, hard work, discipline, and salvation. Most works aimed to deliver religious purpose rather than entertain.

What are the major characteristics of Colonial-period writing?

The period is marked by Puritanism, a strong emphasis on religious literature (sermons, prayers, spiritual reflections), and a plain style with simple, direct language without heavy ornament.

Sep 24, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr