Between the early 1600s and the late 1700s
The US's colonies gave rise to the past of its literature. Due to the influence of British authors, colonial themes were initially prevalent in American writing. Letters, poems, journals, and narratives, to name a few, were among the main literary genres of the colonial period and were all written by settlers, historical, and religious figures. American literature's colonial age played a significant role in freeing the country from British rule. Most writings of this era were inspirational, historical or religious. Unlike the British writers, the work of American writers was mostly to inspire the citizens to unite in an effort to gain independence from Britain. For example, Paine's pamphlet The American Crisis urges people to rise against the increasing British aggression (Paine). His work had a significant contribution in rallying Americans and the subsequent formation of an Army to repel the intruders.
Further, in the speech Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
Patrick Henry persuades the US president to declare independence (Henry). He also employs rhetorical and persuasive strategies to persuade the oppressed rise up and fight as a united nation. For instance, in the second paragraph, he asks "Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?" As a way of encouraging people to express their views about the settlers.
Another important theme of this period was gender and equality
One notable work was Abigail's letter to John Adams, which advocated for equal rights for men and women ("Equality: Abigail Adams to John Adams"). Generally speaking, the colonial period in American literature has shaped today's literary work in many ways; it has promoted civilizations, exposed injustices, and changed political systems.
Works Cited
"Equality: Abigail Adams To John Adams." Press-Pubs.Uchicago.Edu, 1776, http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch15s9.html.
Henry, Patrick. "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death." History.Org, http://history.org/almanack/life/politics/giveme.cfm.
Paine, Thomas. "The American Crisis." Constitution.Org, 1776, http://constitution.org/tp/amercrisis01.htm.
