Puritan Literary Movement

Characteristics 1600-1800 Mostly diaries, sermons, histories Realistic, plain style (frowned upon entertainment) Deeply religious; reinforces authority of Bible and church Every event has double meaning– real and spiritual Believed in original sin and “elect” who would be saved. Well-Known Writers of the time– Jonathan Edwards, Anne Bradstreet, William Bradford

Figurative Language, Poetic Devices, and Anne Bradstreet Puritan Poet

Figurative Language Personification – where an object, animal, or idea is given human characteristics. Authors use it to give greater meaning to their texts. The flowers waltzed in the gentle breeze. The news took me by surprise.

To Help You Clarify Meaning Archaic language – words that were once in common use but are now considered old fashioned or out-of-date “To thine own self be true” (Hamlet by William Shakespeare). 

Figurative Language Metaphor – compares two unlike things without using like or as Her heart was icy Extended metaphor – draws out a comparison and relates the two things at length over several sentences or lines. The comparison is sometimes extended throughout an entire work (allegory). Her heart was icy. Her blood was frosty, and her ventricles filled with icicles. Her words turned to ice cubes that stung each time she threw hateful names.

Extended Metaphor "I graduated from the University of Life. All right? I received a degree from the School of Hard Knocks. And our colors were black and blue, baby. I had office hours with the Dean of Bloody Noses. I borrowed my class notes from Professor Knuckle Sandwich and his Teaching Assistant, Ms. Fat Lip.” -Will Ferrell, Commencement Address at Harvard University

Student Examples A child is a robot. Children are created. They are also programmed, not necessarily correctly, but programmed nonetheless. Both are dependent on maintenance, which helps them get more efficient every day. The judicial system is a broken clock. On the outside, it might seem fine, but internally, it is wound up and rusted. One wrong gear could cause its lovely exterior to break, showing the inner workings in need of repair.

Figurative Language Our burning house was a ghost, Moaning in mournful despair; Its memories gasping for breath, Its bones turned to smoky air. Identify the figurative language in this passage

Practice Use the Extended Metaphor Practice sheet to better understand what an extended metaphor is. Example: As sly as a cat As arrogant as a king A cat is a king. It walks around the house ruling everything. The others serve it and tend to its every need while it never shows the slightest sign of gratitude. As dainty as a daisy As smooth as a newborn baby A daisy is a newborn baby, beautiful yet delicate. One wrong move and it will fall apart. If cared for, it can grow into something beautiful and strong.

Puritan Beliefs Puritans believed in the absolute sovereignty of God – the idea that God is in complete control of events. Only those who devote their lives to God have a chance to make it to Heaven. Anne Bradstreet reveals that belief by interpreting her personal subject matter through a religious lens. Everything carries a divine message; each blessing or loss reveals God’s will and an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) 1st notable American poet Born in England; raised on estate & educated Married at 16, then traveled to Massachusetts with John Winthrop Father and husband both prominent and successful men in Puritan society Faith & writing poetry helped her deal with loneliness Friend of Anne Hutchinson; saw that intelligent women were devalued Brother-in-law published poems without her knowledge

Upon the Burning of Our House July 10th, 1666 Follow along in your text as you listen to the poem. Look for: Personification Archaic Language Extended Metaphor

Discussion What vivid memories does the speaker have of the house that has been destroyed? What events had the speaker hoped to experience in that house? How does the speaker envision the house that will be hers after her death?