Another theme is the idea of building a new life. The colonists in the Keowee Valley were starting from scratch in many ways. Romance often blossoms as they work together to build homes, farms, and communities. Their love is intertwined with their hopes and dreams for a better future in this new and uncharted territory. The novels show how love can be a driving force in the creation of a new way of life.
Another great one might be 'A Colonial Heart in Keowee Valley'. In this story, a young woman from England arrives in the Keowee Valley as part of the colonial expansion. She falls in love with a local man who is trying to build a new life. The novel delves into their relationship, the social hierarchies of the time, and the beauty and challenges of the Keowee Valley area. It's a story full of passion, adventure, and the exploration of new lands and new relationships.
One characteristic is the vivid portrayal of the colonial setting. These novels often describe the unique landscapes, from the untamed wilderness to the small colonial settlements. Another aspect is the complex relationships. There are often love stories intertwined with social hierarchies and cultural differences of that era. For example, a romance might involve a colonist and a Native American, exploring the tensions and attractions between different cultures within the colonial context.
Well, one characteristic is the vivid description of the colonial setting. They often depict the unique landscapes, like the vast forests and early settlements. Another is the focus on the relationships between different social classes. For example, the interactions between the colonists and the native people were a common theme, which added a sense of cultural clash and intrigue.
The theme of independence is also there. As the colonies were on the path to independence, characters in the novels may strive for personal independence as well as in their relationships. The vast and often wild landscape of Colonial America is another theme. It serves as a backdrop for adventure and discovery, which are intertwined with the romances. In 'Outlander', the Scottish highlands and the Colonial American frontier are settings for the main characters' love story and their adventures.
Catharine Maria Sedgwick also wrote in this genre. Her novels often explored the lives of women in colonial America within the framework of romance. She delved into the social and cultural expectations placed on women during that time and how they navigated love and relationships.
Many Colonial American novels have a strong religious undertone. Since religion played a huge role in colonial life, it was a major theme. These novels might show how people's religious beliefs guided their actions, like in their relationships with neighbors or in times of crisis.
American colonial novels typically have elements of Puritan influence. The Puritan values of hard work, piety, and moral uprightness are commonly seen. They also might describe the exploration of the uncharted territories. These novels can be seen as a window into the past, showing the cultural, social, and political ideas of that era.
There is also 'Wide Sargasso Sea' which has connections to the colonial experience. It delves into issues of race, power, and identity in a colonial - influenced world. It's a complex novel that shows the impact of colonialism on relationships and individuals.
There is also John Winthrop. His writings were important in documenting the Puritan colony in Massachusetts. These authors not only wrote about the physical aspects of colonial life like building settlements but also about the spiritual and social aspects. Their works are significant for understanding the development of American literature and the American identity.