Colonial Period: Puritans from Thirteen Colonies

Introduction

The Colonial Period is a time in history when settlers came to the Thirteen Colonies seeking religious freedom, vast land, and a chance at wealth. One prominent religious group that escaped with the ambition to achieve religious freedom was the Puritans. They envisioned finding an Eden in this new land; however, they were met with harsh climates, loss of supplies, and death. Due to these difficulties, many began writing about the struggles they faced. Their work and writings are classified as Colonial Literature, consisting mainly of non-fiction works. The common topics revolve around politics, religion, and basic survival in a new territory.

Colonial Literature: Non-Fiction Works

Non-fiction is a major genre that many writers during the Colonial Period explored. William Bradford, a colonial writer, wrote Of Plymouth Plantation, which chronicles Bradford’s experiences on the Mayflower and the obstacles encountered by the colony (Bradford, 2006). He writes, "In these hard and difficult beginnings they found some discontents and murmurings arise amongst some…” (Bradford, 2006). Just setting foot on new soil caused pilgrims to doubt this unfamiliar setting. Bradford's writing highlights severe situations gradually coming to light.

"Verses upon the Burning of our House," composed by Anne Bradstreet, uses rhyme and imagery to describe the burning of the speaker’s house (Bradstreet & Ellms-Williams, 1998). "Then coming out, behold a space. The flame consumes my dwelling place" vividly displays the speaker’s action of leaving their home only to witness it disintegrate into ash and dirt. In addition to personal struggles, works like "Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind" by Benjamin Franklin address broader societal issues (Franklin & Labaree, 1959). Franklin discusses how Britain interacts with its colonies: “In proportion to the increase of the Colonies a vast demand is growing for British Manufactures.” This highlights how colonial expansion inflated dependency on Great Britain.

The Role of Religion

Religion was crucial for many writers during this era due to escalating diverse religious beliefs. In "Verses upon the Burning of our House," Bradstreet writes, “And to my God my heart did cry. To straighten me in my distress and not leave me succourless” (Bradstreet & Ellms-Williams, 1998). Here, the speaker cries out in prayer for reassurance amidst loss. Another quote reads: “My hope and Treasure lies above,” shifting focus from material possessions to spiritual solace.

Additionally, another work by Anne Bradstreet titled "To My Dear and Loving Husband" reveals profound devotion: “Thy love is such I can no way repay; The heavens reward thee manifold I pray” (Bradstreet & Ellms-Williams, 1998). In Of Plymouth Plantation, Bradford recounts moments reflecting on faith among hardships experienced within his community: young men enduring abuse express their final words lamenting unfulfilled Christian love towards one another at times approaching death (Bradford & Davis, 2006).

The Struggle for Survival

Survival during this period posed significant challenges frequently covered by authors like William Bradford whose journal Of Plymouth Plantation captures events within Plymouth Colony such as widespread deaths from illness over just two or three months particularly around January-February (Bradford & Davis 2006).

“That which was most sad…" highlights increasing fatalities foreshadowed throughout his account; meanwhile descriptions follow interactions between Pilgrims learning farming techniques via Squanto yet failing against mortality threats themselves described under section named 'Anno1621'. Franklin's "Observations Concerning…" laments lackluster English intervention allowing non-English settlers potentially altering Pennsylvania's identity emphasizing need backing homeland ensuring survival original colonies despite arising domination foreign influences (Franklin & Labaree 1959).

Conclusion

In conclusion,the Colonial Period remains characterized by consistent non-fiction writing where primary focus lay upon religion,popolitics,& essential survival strategies utilized across texts penned figures suchas William Bradford who employed journalism ,Anne Bradstreets use poetry ,or even informative tracts authored Benjamin Franklin exploring varying levels investment commitment England possessed versus negligent support extended toward its thirteen fledgling colonies—each producing impactful body work shaping era significantly.

References:

1. Bradford,W.(2006).Of Plymouth Plantation.Davis,S.G.(Ed.).Barnes&Noble Publishing.
2. Bradstreet,A.,&Ellms-Williams,J.M.(Eds.).(1998).The Works Of Anne Bradstreet.Harvard University Press.
3. Franklin,B.,&Labaree,L.W.(Eds.).(1959).The Papers Of Benjamin Franklin Vol5.July1 Through October31 ,1753 .Yale University Press. li >