Puritan Literature / Colonial Literature 1650-1750 UNIT 2 - Introduction

Introduction Puritan period of American literature lasted from about 1650-1750. Puritans were among the largest group of Europeans who came to America after its discovery in 1492.

History / Background After Columbus (1492) and his crew landed in North America, many other colonies of Europeans were formed in the “new world.” The first English settlement was Roanoke Island in the 1500s – which failed. The second English settlement was Jamestown in 1607.

History / Background In 1620, the Mayflower landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts, carrying pilgrims. Pilgrims – those who left England to escape religious persecution.

History / Background England was dominated by the Anglican Church during the 1600s. These pilgrims saw the new world as an opportunity to start a new life and practice their faith. The monarchy and government of England was glad to see them go.

The Puritans Among the pilgrims that came to the new world were a sect of Christians named the Puritans. The Puritans formed many towns and settlements across the Massachusetts colony – one popular town in Salem.

The Puritans’ Beliefs The Puritans were very strict in the Christian beliefs. They believed in a literal interpretation of the Bible and other religious texts. Breaking a commandment was considered breaking a law. Puritan preachers were considered the leaders of towns. Preachers could get married and have children.

The Puritans’ Beliefs Puritans were greatly influenced by a philosopher named John Calvin and followed his belief of “predestination.” Predestination – the belief that God has already selected those who he wishes to go to Heaven and those he wishes to send to hell.

The Puritans’ Beliefs For the Puritans, church attendance was mandatory. For those who did not follow the laws of the religion and land, he or she could be punished by death (hanging). Puritans feared God and were strongly devoted to God’s mercy.

Puritans in the New World Most Puritan settlements were surrounded by large walls to keep out Native Americans and other people. Puritans were constantly raided by Native American, which led to many deaths. In some instances, Puritans were able to trade with the Native Americans.

Puritans in the New World Puritans were very afraid of the wilderness outside of the settlements. The woods surrounding settlements was believed to contain the devil – and Native Americans. Puritans had no idea what was out West and were scared to travel any further.

Puritan Literature Characteristics Strong religious themes Fear of the outside world (woods, Native Americans) Mostly non-fiction Written as a “history” of the time period Puritan Genres: Poetry, Sermons, Historical Narratives

Puritan Writers / Authors Anne Bradstreet First prominent English female writer in the North American colonies. Born in England and moved to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Wrote about many themes involving the role of women in Puritan society. “To My Dear and Loving Husband” - poem

Jonathan Edwards Was a Puritan preacher, philosopher, and theologian. Was born in a Connecticut Colony in 1703. Taught religious lessons through “fire and brimstone” sermons in churches. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” - sermon

Mary Rowlandson Was a colonial American woman who was captured by Native Americans during a raid. Was held by Native Americans for 11 weeks and wrote a narrative about her time as a captive. Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson – historical narratives