1. Literary Movement Basics

2. Primary Areas of Value Each literary movement we will study will emphasize the importance of the following areas: The Natural World Individuality Society God

3. The Puritan Period

4. Puritan Beliefs Humans are basically evil Predestination—God saves only those He wishes Material wealth is a sign of a virtuous life Only those who have been chosen by God can interpret the Bible… ministers

5. God God and His word come first and foremost The Bible was taken literally and daily life was often related to stories in the Bible

6. Society For survival, Puritans emphasized working together as a group. Focus on the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. Also believed that the wealth a person, the more virtuous a person was. Theocracy—laws based on religion Scope of control very important

7. Society (cont’d) Very idealistic in religion and politics But also very pragmatic Believed that they were the “city on the hill”… that they should be a shining example to all the world

8. Individual Self-depravity: because of Adam and Eve’s sin, we are all born evil sinners. Anything that brings pleasure is sinful Women especially should never be left to make decisions for themselves Focus on self detracts from focus on God.

9. Nature Outside realm of control and the unknown is evil Nature houses the unknown and the fearsome– savages and even the devil himself.

10. Puritan Writing Simple– for instruction and reflection. No entertainment To glorify God and make him more relevant and less mysterious the common people To convert non-believers