1. Puritan Literature

2. Who were these Puritans?
Puritan is a broad
term referring to a
number of Protestant
groups who sought
to “purify” the Church
of England which
had been closely
connected to
its government.

3. Who were these Puritans?
Puritans wished to
return to a simpler
form of worship and
church organization
described in the New
Testament.

4. Leading Puritan Writers
William Bradford
Of Plymouth
Plantation

5. Leading Puritan Writers
Mary Rowlandson
A Narrative of the
Captivity

6. Leading Puritan Writers
William Byrd –
The History of the
Dividing Line

7. Leading Puritan Writers
Olaudah Equiano –
The Interesting
Narrative of the
Life of Olaudah
Equiano

8. Characteristics of Puritan Writing
The Bible provided a model for Puritan writing – each individual life was a journey to salvation.
They saw a direct connection between Biblical events (allusions) and their own lives.

9. Characteristics of Puritan Writing
They used writing to explore the inner and outer lives for signs of the workings of God.
Diaries and histories were the most common types of literature.
They favored a “plain style” similar to that of the Geneva Bible and stressed clear expressions over complicated figures of speech.

10. Puritan Beliefs Humans exist for glory of God
Bible is sole expression of God’s will
Predestination
Cannot take election for granted if saved
Search soul for signs of grace
Must accomplish good through hard work and self-discipline

11. Southern Planters Differ due to climate Social standing (aristocrat)
Religion (Church of England)
Large plantations – slaves (1000)
Interest in the outside world/literature/music/politics