1. Puritan Literature

2. Puritan Genres
Sermons
Poetry
Historical Narratives

3. Characteristics of Puritan Literature
Puritans' religious beliefs affected their lives on all levels, and their writing illustrated their religion's values, such as the importance of the church and the influence of God in their lives. 
Believed that God was working in their daily lives
Would search for symbols in their daily life that God was with them
A woman accidentally burning a shirt may represent the fact that God was preparing her for the future death of her husband.
Preached a separation from worldly pleasures

4. Puritan Concepts
A main tenant of Puritan literature centers around the idea of predestination.
Predestination: God has predetermined which souls will be saved and which won’t, and this decision can’t be altered.

5. Puritan Concepts
Total Depravity: Through Adam and Eve's fall, every person is born sinful - concept of Original Sin.

6. Puritan Style of Writing
1. Protestant - against ornateness; reverence for the Bible.
2. Purposeful- there was a purpose to Puritan writing (to teach, to preserve history, to glorify God…)
3. Puritan writing reflected the character and scope of the reading public, which was literate and well-grounded in religion.

7. Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) First notable American poet
Puritan woman were not encouraged to improve their minds or express their ideas
Sailed for Massachusetts in 1628 at age 18 with her husband, Simon Bradstreet.
Poetry focuses on her house, her husband, and her eight children
Poetry published in 1650 by her brother-in-law without her knowledge!
First book of poetry ever published by an American colonist.