Puritan History and Literature Comunicación y Gerencia Puritan History and Literature

Puritanism Puritanism covered a period from the1550s to about 1700 Originally developed in England to “purify” the Anglican church (or the Church of England) of the trappings of Catholicism A Separatist movement developed within the Puritans. They had given up on “purifying” the church deciding that only a separate movement could succeed. Many of our views and attitudes toward Puritans have been shaped by the Salem witch trials ( which we will examine in more detail later) and The Scarlet Letter, neither of which gives an accurate view of the Puritans. “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” Longfellow, like Hawthorne in SL uses artistic license, but it is their story which is best remembered not the true history To be taught by someone who does not endorse a belief system is the worst way to understand it. Persecution of dissenting viewpoints was the common practice of all churches in the 15th and 16th centuries. Mary Tudor reinstated Catholicism. During the reign of Charles I, open persecution of the Puritans resumed. William Prynne ears were cut off and his face branded with hot irons. In 1642, the Puritan, Oliver Cromwell overthrew Charles I after the king had dissolved Parliament. Henry VIII destroyed and/or looted many churches, abbeys and monasteries when he split with the Catholic church. Puritans also stripped churches to remove all traces of Catholicism. They opposed amusements, such as dancing and theater, closing or banning them while in power. They strictly enforced a sabbath rest on Sunday. (Still in effect in remote areas of Scotland). Although, both the loyalists and the Roundheads invited Charles II to return to the throne, the restored monarchy lead the to Restoration of the Anglican religious practices in England. This lead to the final split and the establishment of separate churches which was allowed by in 1689 under the rule of William and Mary.

Plymouth Colony Moving first to Holland in 1607, fear of assimilation and lack of religious fervor led them to leave for a new land “devoyd of all civill inhabitants” in 1620. These people we call “Pilgrims.” Most of the settlers of Plymouth were poor and of the working class. Plymouth today

William Bradford William Bradford was the governor of the Plymouth Colony Helped create positive Indian relations and democratic town hall meeting Wrote Of Plymouth Plantation in 1630 using “Puritan Plain Style” Non-Fiction Narrative Account Tell the story of real-life events. Can be first-hand or written by someone that researched the events. Considered the most complete authority on the Puritans and a primary document on the time period. Style hardly seems plain. Read and paraphrase in this or any other document where the writing seems stilted or convoluted. Was governor for 30 years – 2 year terms Lived 1590-1657 The first winter in the new colony was a terrible experience. Half the colonists perished, including the colony's leader, John Carver. Bradford was selected as his replacement in the spring of 1621. From this point, his story is inextricably linked with the history of the Plymouth Colony. His book was regularly quoted in the years before its publication

Massachusetts Bay Colony A group of Puritans persuaded King James to grant them an area of land between the Massachusetts Bay and Charles River in North America. The main party of 700 people left Southampton in April 1630. During the 1630s over 20,000 people emigrated to Massachusetts Bay. The settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were much wealthier and of higher social standing. They came as Puritans in the true sense, not Separatists. Boston today

Anne Bradstreet Wrote for herself, not publication Published in 1650 – considered to be the first collection of original poetry written in the colonies First female poet to be published Used Plain Puritan Style as well Bradstreet was an unusually well-educated woman for her time, which allowed her to express herself through writing. She wrote about politics, history, medicine, and theology. Her personal library of books was said to have numbered over 800, many of which were destroyed when her home burned down on July 10, 1666. This event itself inspired a poem entitled "Upon the Burning of Our House July 10th, 1666", wherein Bradstreet rejects the worldly tragedy which has befallen her family and looks toward God and afterlife as consolation. In 1647 Bradstreet's brother-in-law, Rev. John Woodbridge, sailed to England, carrying her manuscript of poetry (possibly without her knowledge). Anne's first work was published in London as "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America, by a Gentlewoman in such Parts".[2] The purpose of the publication appears to have been an attempt by devout Puritan men (i.e. Thomas Dudley, Simon Bradstreet, John Woodbridge) to show that a godly and educated woman could elevate the position held by a wife and mother, without necessarily placing her in competition with men.

Lasting Effects of Puritans Emphasis on Simplicity in Worship Public Education High Moral Standards Democratic Political Principles Puritan Ethic – Believed good was accomplished through hard work, self-reliance, and self-discipline. Influenced industrialism and efficiency. Low church versus high church Clinton-Lewinski Affair as perceived in England vs. US Predestination – God has already decided who will achieve salvation and who will not Puritans had few possessions, dressed uniformly, and frowned on creative expression. Harvard University

Purpose for Literature: Puritan Literature Purpose for Literature: provide spiritual insight and instruction reinforce authority of the Bible and church Too busy surviving to spend time creating poems or other literature. Ornate or clever style would be a sign of vanity and therefore not in God’s will More puritan writers because they were firm believers in education Puritan Style – reflected in the plain style of their lives – spare, simple, and straightforward.

Style of Puritan Literature: Simple—plain writing style with a clear statement. There is no use of pathos or emotion to sway the reader. Straightforward—unembellished direct statements, with little figurative language, although there are frequent Biblical allusions. Spiritual—intended as either personal reflection or group edification

Characteristics of Puritan Literature: God is all-powerful, vengeful, and wrathful. Man’s destiny is already decided – nothing can be done to change it. Humans are essentially evil and flawed. A few people will go to Heaven, but most will go to Hell. No one knows whether they are one of the saved or one of the damned.

Characteristics cont. of Puritan Literature: God decides who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell. Human duties while living are to be faithful to God and prepare for the afterlife. Education exists to teach people to read the Bible. The Bible is the ultimate source of information for anything.

Types of Puritan Literature Some narrative accounts such as histories, biographies, and autobiographies. Some poems, journals and diaries, but their aim was primarily for serious self-examination Did not produce fiction nor drama because they regarded both as sinful.