Puritan Writers and Witches

This week, we took on a law case concerning Martha Carrier, who was on trial in Salem in the late 1600s. We are cross-examining the witnesses called to trial and deciding whether or not to represent her in court. The trial is located in the assignments section. Also, research Cotton Mather, who recorded the trial in his work, Wonders of the Invisible World. You may also want to take a look at this video on the occurrence in Salem.

Puritan Plain Style

We explore the major contributions that the Puritans have given to early American literature. This week, we will see the famous sermon of Jon Edwards, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". Please note the diction and usage of the plain style. Locate the three phases of the Puritan sermon, as discussed in class. Conferences next week!

Explorer Week

This week, we are reading John Smith's account of Jamestown. General Histories of Virginia. We read Christopher Columbus' account from The Journal of Columbus. Discuss the presence of bias in both texts and the point of view. Finally, read William Bradford's account of Of Plymouth Plantation. Which would make a better president?