SURVEY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE

1. The Wonders of the invisible World was written by Cotton Mather which is known for his
scientific studies and literary works. In this book, Cotton Mather listed different signs that
indicates that one person is practicing witchcraft. According to him the devil is so powerful that
he was able to reign in New England. He also stated that there is no cure or there’s no
explanation about the way an affected person feels. According to him devils and witches really
do exist. I can relate with story “ The Wonders of the Invisible World because sometimes in our
own community we can also observe that witchcrafts really to exists. Just like when you have
said something harsh to a person and then few days have pass and you suddenly feel ill and it
seems that the doctors could not detect what is really happening to you. Although we can
sometimes say that witchcraft are just some sort of superstitions, but it is indeed a reminder for
us people, that we should be very careful with those words that we are about to say. We have
to think if we are able to hurt other people’s feelings before we do speak. Cotton Mather writes
in a heavily embellished language. I think that is his way of letting the readers know how intense
his emotion while is writing. Cotton Mather is a kind of writer whose writings include a
commentary on the witchcraft in Salem Massachusetts.
2. William Bradford: On Plymouth Plantation
This book was about the Bradford interprets that every event that occurs, whether it may be
good or bad for the Pilgrims, as God’s will and it is connected to some divine purpose that was
impossible for human beings to understand. I can relate with William Bradford: On Plymouth
Plantation because it entails that in our lives we may encounter different trials or challenges.
Challenges that will make us a stronger person. I believe that everything that happens in our life
has a purpose. God has a purpose why those things are happening to us. It is also His way of
knowing how strong our faith is. He want us to realize that He is there up there and always
ready to help us. We just need to elevate our faith. There are times when the things that we
asking for is not always granted but, we must always bear in mind that God always wants the
best for us. Don’t be discouraged but instead have faith in Him for he knows what’s best for all
of us.
3. Anne Bradstreet Pieces: To My Dear Loving Husband
“ To My Dear Loving Husband” was written by Anne Bradstreet between 1641 and 1643. She
wrote this poem because she views earthly love as a form of spiritual salvation. This poem was
about the love between a husband and his wife. The main subject of this poem is marriage that
binds two people. The tone of the poem is happy. This poem relate to real life situations
because the moment two people get married, they showed that their love for each other is very
powerful. The poet uses different figures of speech such as hyperbole and metaphor. In the line
The heavens reward thee manifold I pray the poet uses heaven as a metaphor in comparing and
expressing her love to his dear husband. That only death and separate them. The poet uses a
precise language. It is indeed true that being married to someone is not that easy. There are ups
and downs, challenges that will measure your love and trust for each other, but if your love for
 each other is pure, you will overcome all of those trials that you might encounter. Put God at the
center of your relationship and everything else will fall into place.
4. Ben Franklin: Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America
This essay was about Benjamin Franklin expressing his opinion on how Native Americans were
treated by the white in the late 1700’s.Benjamin Franklin uses irony in showing the Native
Americans inability to accept the settlers beliefs. This is really true. Racial discrimination really
do exist. Black are considered slaves. They are not given a chance to become a leader because
they believe that black people are intended only to serve those white people. I consider this
principle very ironic because I remembered that the 44th President of the United States in
person of Barack Obama. Obama is a black man he serve the country with the best that he can.
It doesn’t matter what race you belong but it is in pureness of your heart that shows how
beautiful you are as a person.
5. Common Sense: Thomas Paine
In Common Sense, Thomas Paine argues for American Independence and creation of a
democratic republic. Paine feels that in monarchies, kings are more interested in gaining more
power, rather than promoting the common good of the people. Paine believes that American
colonies were resourceful enough to rule themselves. The main impact of the pamphlet is it
made American colonists to decide to fight for independence. This is true when it comes to
political issues. Government officials must serve and help the people by promoting the common
good. They must not give importance on their personal interest but instead they must do the
right thing in order to make this country progressive. They must bear in mind that the future of
the country lies in their hands. All government officials must work hand in hand in making this
country a better place to live not only for today’s generation but also in the years to come.