Puritan and Colonial Literature American Literature A Puritan

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Puritan and Colonial Literature American Literature A

Puritan and Colonial Literature American Literature A

Puritan Beginnings Puritans were persecuted in England for belief the Protestant church needed to

Puritan Beginnings Puritans were persecuted in England for belief the Protestant church needed to be “purified” Moved to New England in 1620 Settled/colonized New England

Puritan Life was dominated by religion Emphasized Founded Valued education Harvard University in 1636

Puritan Life was dominated by religion Emphasized Founded Valued education Harvard University in 1636 self-reliance and hard work Emphasized plain living and simplicity

Puritan Doctrine The Bible = sole source of God’s law Belief in inherent evil

Puritan Doctrine The Bible = sole source of God’s law Belief in inherent evil of all humans One must struggle to overcome sinful nature Belief in predestination Constantly judged each other’s behavior

Characteristics of Puritan Writing Bible provided a model for writing. Often quoted Used as

Characteristics of Puritan Writing Bible provided a model for writing. Often quoted Used as a comparison Allusion Writing was used to explore their lives for the workings of God. Sermons, diaries, letters, hymns, biographies, theological studies

Reading Selections Excerpts from Narrative of the Captivity, Mary Rowlandson Sinners in the Hands

Reading Selections Excerpts from Narrative of the Captivity, Mary Rowlandson Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God – Jonathon Edwards “Puritan Code” – Jonathon Edwards “Fear at Home” – article The Crucible – Arthur Miller

Captivity Narratives Most widely read prose of 17 th century Contributed to poor relations

Captivity Narratives Most widely read prose of 17 th century Contributed to poor relations between settlers and Indians Some actually chose to stay with captors Captives accept condition as a punishment from God = test of faith Became PROPOGANDA asserting European superiority Authors manipulated stories

Mary Rowlandson Wife of minister 1 of 24 captives from her town (Lancaster) Captured

Mary Rowlandson Wife of minister 1 of 24 captives from her town (Lancaster) Captured by the Wampanoag tribe Her and her three children taken 11 weeks and 5 days until ransom paid For Puritans, events had both physical and spiritual purpose