Introduction

The roots of the American dream can be traced all the way back to the first colonists to settle the New World. The Puritans who fled religious persecution in England became self-made successes throughout New England largely on the strength of their spiritual beliefs that it was preordained. For them, life on earth was a constant battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil, and the only way to battle evil was to be ambitious, work hard, and always strive for success. Their religion taught them that prosperity on earth would eventually lead to spiritual peace and eternal life. They sought wealth and status, but only to reap the rewards of heaven.

Colonial literature is rife with Puritanical and religious themes, but slavery, the American Revolution, and political and cultural change also appear as topics of special interest...