American Lit. Essay Exam 1

Of these authors whom we've read whom would you include/exclude in your own anthology of American Literature?

Of all the authors we have read this far, Anne Bradstreet has interested me the most and bored me the least. As a borderline feminist, or just someone who takes pride in intelligent women, I think that Bradstreet's literary accomplishments do a lot of justice not only for American Literature, but also for the roles of women in it. I can name very few women whose work I am familiar with from this era and I was unfamiliar with Bradstreet until today. I think that she writes eloquently and uses diction that is not to incomprehensible but still powerful. Judging by the critiques of her work and what little I know of her life, she appears to have been not only a strong and passionate woman, but also one of great virtue and faith. I think that these things are reflected in her work and represent a good example of a woman who is intelligent but also humble and unpretentious. Many of the women and feminists of the 20th century and current seem to use abrasion to make themselves heard, or demand respect. This is all and well but I have much greater respect for a woman who is smart and skilled and presents herself in a respectable manner. All personal attributes aside, I really like her poetry. The themes of the poems are very real, and she approaches this reality with not cynicism, but with great faith and optimism.

Who was right-Morton or Bradford?

It would be nonsensical to assume that either men were right in their convictions. They were both somewhat extreme men in their beliefs. Perhaps I am being biased by taking Morton's side since I've all ready had to argue on his behalf. Though I think the manner of which Morton presented himself could have been more effective had he possessed a little more finesse, I would agree with his perspective. I would only agree with his perspective based on my own views and beliefs, and obviously if his beliefs correlate with my own, then I consider them 'right' or I would not believe them at all. Based on my own views of religion and humanity and just my general personality, I would have embraced the Native Americans as well. I think it is important, though it may seem naive, to strive for some element of peace, at least for the sake of a universal and comfortable coexistence. And also, I am the kind of person who likes to try to relate to people. Bradford may have seen Morton as a traitor or a menace, but Morton was really a businessman. His networking with the Native Americans won their favor and in turn won him the ability to live a more comfortable life. I think that Morton was right to not disregard the Native Americans and instead look at them as humans. He saw them as humans functioning civilly, with their own sets of laws, practices, and beliefs, and he was able to see that the real difference between their culture and his own was minimal. Morton's only problem was that he was too much of a progressive thinker for his time.