1. Between Heaven and Hell
The Puritan Tradition

2. Puritan beliefs:
Human beings are inherently evil and so must struggle to overcome their sinful nature.
Personal salvation depends solely on the grace of God.
The Bible is the supreme authority on earth.

3. Puritan logic: The longer you live, the more you sin.
The more you sin, the angrier God gets.
The angrier He gets, the worse your punishment will be.
The sooner you die, the better off you’ll be.

4. Puritan literature:
Purpose – moral instruction (for teaching, not pleasure)
Types – sermons, poetry, hymns
Printed first book in America
1640
Bay Psalm Book (collection of sacred songs or hymns)

5. Anne Bradstreet (1612 – 1672)
One of most important figures in history of American literature
Considered by many to be the first American poet
Works included the struggles of a Puritan wife against the hardships of New England colonial life

6. Anne Bradstreet (1612 – 1672)
Exemplary love for her faith, children, and husband
Wrote in a simple, lyrical style pleasant for anyone to read
Even though it was difficult for women to air their views in her time, she did so with ease