1. Puritanism/ Colonialism
1600 – 1750
“We shall be a shining city upon a hill”
John Winthrop

2. Who were the Puritans? Puritans were a branch of the Protestant church
Their movement began in the 16th and 17th centuries
Although they preferred to be called “the godly,” they were given the name “Puritans” for their struggle to reform or purify the Church of England
Newly arrived colonists create villages and towns and establish new governments while protesting the old ways in Europe
Did not consider themselves “Americans” until mid-18C
Enormous displacement of Native-American civilizations

3. Two Types of Puritans Separatists
Held irreconcilable differences with the Church of England; they thought the church was corrupt and that they must distance themselves from it
Were persecuted under various monarchies in England
First fled from England to Holland
Later, came to found the Plymouth Colony in America in 1620
Non-Separatists
Held less extreme views of the Church of England
Believed in church reform rather than an overthrow of the church
Came to America in 1630 and founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony

4. Puritan Belief
Literature of the period dominated by the Puritans and their religious influence
emphasis is on faith in one’s daily life
a person’s fate is determined by God
all are corrupt and need a Savior
theocracy--civil authority in Bible and church
nature is revelation of God’s providence and power
Puritan work ethic—belief in hard work and simple, no-frills living

5. The Basics of Puritanism
All humans are born full of sin. The devil walks among.
Predestination- God knows all that goes on and saves or condemns those He wishes. A human has no control over this. Only God knows for sure if one is saved. Not many are saved.
Those who are saved can interpret God's will.
There is no separation between church and state ( theocratic government by the few).
People resisting Puritan ways should be driven out or killed. For example, Quakers were seen as threats and were driven out.
 High standards of moral excellence and godly conscience

6. More Basics of Puritanism
Only church members and their children (even if not baptized) can vote.
All are responsible for the action of others. One is encouraged to keep an eye on his neighbor.
One must work hard and not waste money.
Self-reliance and individualism (being different) are not encouraged.
Clothing and lifestyle should not be fancy.
Private, public and government behavior must be proved to be moral.
"Satan Deluder Law"- all children must receive some education to keep Satan from capturing their souls.

7. Puritan Style
Writing is utilitarian; writers are amateurs (not professional writers)
Writing is instructive—sermons, diaries, personal narratives
Puritan Plain Style– simple, direct

8. Puritan Literature
They did not write for pleasure or entertainment. One reason was the fact that they were struggling to built their settlement. Another reason was the fact that they considered works of fiction frivolous and possibly immoral.
Types of texts:
historical documents: preserving their history and offering justifications to relieve the guilt they felt over leaving relatives behind in England
personal journals: as tools for self-reflection/ examination and as a way to look for signs of salvation
poetry: highly inspired by religious beliefs
religious tracts: distributed for the salvation of all neighbors

9. Representative Authors
William Bradford (journals)
Anne Bradstreet (poetry)
Jonathan Edwards (sermons)
Cotton Mather (religious doctrine)
John Smith (travelogues)

10. The Demise of Puritanism
Internal power struggles
Lifestyle proved unsustainable for many
Intolerance and accusation among religious community (“dangerous opinions”)
Those pesky Salem Witch Trials (1692)
Emergence of anti-Puritan sentiment (post- Witch Trial backlash)