American literature has its roots in the colonial era. Early North American works include contributions from both natives and settlers, with many similar and different historical influences, themes, and genres. Native Americans, before colonial life even began, had developed a strong system of oral storytelling centered primarily on Mother Nature. When the Puritans arrived, seeking religious asylum from Europe, their reserved and conservative ways spread into colonial literature and differed markedly from those of their rationalist counterparts. Bits of fiery poetry also emerged from early American pens, but much of colonial literature was written by rationalists and focused on creating order and a way of life in the New World. When the first settlers arrived from Europe, the Native American population in the Americas had already reached fifty million people. With this vast number of inhabitants came an understandably enormous amount of lore and storytelling, most of which was passed down orally from generation to generation. An important theme that is woven throughout Native American literature is honoring and educating others about the land and its spirits. Take for example the poem “Sky Tree,” as told by Joseph Bruchac. In this passage the chief's wife feels such a connection and duty to mother nature that, when the tree of life is cut down, she says: “Without the tree there can be no life. I have to follow him. Aataenstic virtually gives her life for the benefit of the land around her, a theme present throughout Native oral tradition. Columbus, sailing to Spain, discovered the New World in 1492 and opened the door for many other countries to follow. England was one of the last countries to……middle of paper……taking up once again the theme of mother nature with the statement: “Under the shade of this Tree of Great Peace we spread the soft white down of thistle as seats for you, Adodarhoh, and your cousins ​​Lords. All of these documents were created to establish order and peace in a changing world. It is clear that the colonial period in American literature had an abundance of historical influences, authors, themes, genres, and writing styles. Native Americans contributed poems and oral tales about nature and humans' place in it. The Puritans added poems and political documents that framed their new life in the New World that would be centered on God. Passionate poetry clashed with political writings. All these factors and influences have come together to embody changes in tradition through literature at a time of great change throughout the world.