1. Shannon Luster 10th grade English
Puritanism
Shannon Luster
10th grade English

2. Historical Context
This movement of American literature begins when a group of people known as the Separatists decide to leave England in search of religious freedom.
This group of individuals divide into two groups, the Pilgrims and the Puritans.

3. Historical Context

4. Puritans and Pilgrims Puritans Pilgrims God Gold Glory
The Puritans claim to have come solely for religious freedom; however, this is not necessarily the case.
The Puritans are not interested in separating from the Church England.
Pilgrims
God Gold Glory
The Pilgrims are the true Separatists who have good, true intentions in seeking religious freedom.

5. Beliefs of the Puritan Society
1. The Puritans claim to be models of the society. “Personal leaders in the fight against evil.
2. They believe they are sent by God to save the world.
3. They are the ‘be-all’ and ‘end-all’ of the justice system.
4. No one man is to be admired over another; the society functions as a whole, treating all members as equal parts.

6. Puritan Beliefs

7. Problems with the Function of the Society
Women have no place in society.
Solve labor problems by importing enslaved Africans between the ages of (By 1630, more than half of the population is made up of black indentured slaves.)
Justice system is strict and unrelenting.

8. Puritan Justice System
Serious crimes include burglary, counterfeiting, murder, piracy, rape and treason. Punished by hanging.
Crimes such as adultery, gossip, slander, petty theft, drunkenness, and disturbing the peace could range in punishment from whipping in the town square to death.
Other punishments for crimes against the community were public shamming or public disgrace.
Individuals are only jailed while awaiting trial, awaiting punishment, or failing to pay debts.

9. Puritan Literary Characteristics
1. Strive for simplicity.
2. Writing is a tool for spiritual self-examination and religious instruction.
3. Writing should never be used as an expression of cleverness.
4. Nature is filled with earthly blessings and unlimited possibilities. Nature is used in writing as an expression of God.

10. Important Dates
Education is important, but it is limited to male members of society and focuses on religious instruction.
1635: First secondary school begins
1636: Harvard College is established.
1647: First public school system in Massachusetts.
1690: The New England Primer schoolbook is published.