American Literature Unit 3

1. American LiteratureUnit 3 A Growing Nation (1800-1870) Romanticism and Transcendentalism

2. Washington Irving • first American writer to achieve international reputation • The Devil and Tom Walker • adaptation of a German folk tale about a man who sells his soul to the Devil for earthly gain. • the Puritan belief of devoting one’s life to God was replaced by materialism and desire for personal gain in New England of 1720s.

3. Third person omniscient POV • all-knowing narrator relates the events of the story Characteristics: • Narrator stands outside the story • Details about the thoughts and feelings of all the characters • The narrator’s commentary about the events of the story

4. Characterization • The author reveals the personality traits of his characters • Direct characterization – the author tells the reader what the character is like • Indirect characterization – personality traits are revealed through the words, thoughts, and actions of the characters.

5. Vocabulary • Avarice – greed • Usurers – money lenders who charge very high interest • Extort – obtain by threat or violence • Ostentation – boastful display • Parsimony – stinginess • Termagant – quarrelsome woman • Wayfarer – traveler (on foot) • Clamor – loud uproar

6. Vocabulary (cont.) • Clapperclawing – clawing and scratching • Askance – with mistrust or suspicion • Rejoice – to be glad, take delight • Celibacy – abstention from sexual relations • Buccaneer – pirate • Sullen – morose, gloomy