[文学]美国文学.ppt

I. Historical Background 1.Early history: 1) In 1492, Christopher Columbus found the new continent called America. 2) In 1607, Captain John Smith led some Englishmen across the ocean. 3) In 1620, 102 passengers sailed on the ship Mayflower across the sea and settled on “New England” of the new continent. 2. Reasons for coming to the new world wealth adventure religion: puritans 3. Belief---Puritanism Puritans wanted to “purify the church” to its original state, because they thought the church was corrupted and had too many rituals 4)Scientifically, as the symbol of America in the Age of Enlightenment, he invented a lot of useful implements. His research on electricity, his famous experiment with his kite line and many others made him the preeminent scientist of his day. 5) Literally, he really opened the story of American literature. In the Scottish philosopher David Hume’s eyes he was America’s “first great man of letters”. 3. Major Works Poor Richard’s Almanac Maxims（谚语，格言） and axioms（哲理，格言） Lost time is never found again. A penny saved is a penny earned. God help them that help themselves. Fish and visitors stink in three days. The Pioneers拓荒者(1823): Natty Bumppo first appears as a seasoned scout in advancing years, with the dying Chingachgook, the old Indian chief and his faithful comrade, as the eastern forest frontier begins to disappear and Chingachgook dies. The Last of the Mohicans最后的莫希干人(1826): An adventure of the French and Indian Wars in the Lake George county. The Prairie大草原(1827): Set in the new frontier where the Leatherstocking dies. The Pathfinder(1840): Continuing the same border warfare in the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario county. The Deerslayer(1841): Early adventures with the hostile Hurons on Lake Otsego, NY. Style :Representing a personal vision or insight, the lyric poem often expresses a mood or feeling. Usually written in the first person, the poem reflects a specific point of view, but the “I” speaker or persona of