1. Puritanism

2. What is it? Religious Reform Began in England, 16th century
Remember (this is the 1500’s)
People sought to reform the Church of England
They wanted to reshape society to their beliefs
Led to
Bad public opinion about them
Governmental persecution
Many Puritans fled to America

3. What did they believe?
“The doctrine of predestination kept all Puritans constantly working to do good in this life to be chosen for the next eternal one.
God had already chosen who would be in heaven or hell, and each believer had no way of knowing which group they were in.
Those who were wealthy were obviously blessed by God and were in good standing with Him.
Any deviations from the normal way of Puritan life met with strict disapproval and discipline.
Since the church elders were also political leaders, any church infraction was also a social one. There was no margin for error.”

4. What did it look like? They had few possessions Dressed uniformly
Frowned upon creativity
Lived a life of hard work
“The Protestant work ethic was the belief that hard work was an honor to God which would lead to a prosperous reward.”
Very self-disciplined
Religiously devoted
Few things were left behind = still a mystery to us

6. …A little more… God was at the forefront of their minds
He directed all actions
Very unified, worked together, understood each other’s struggles
Each church congregation was responsible to God, as was each person
New Testament was their guide
Any person that opposed was asked to reform, or leave

7. Their Writing
Puritan Plain Style – Short words, direct phrases and statements, reference to ordinary and everyday objects
Puritans and Poetry – Poetry should serve God by clearly expressing only useful and religious ideas
Believed that senses and emotions were dangerous

8. Edward Taylor 1642-1729 Teacher in England Moved to Boston in 1668
Went to Harvard College
Became a minister and physician in Westfield, MA
5 of 8 children died as infants
Wife died while still young
Remarried and had 6 more children

9. More on Edward Taylor Viewed poetry as a form of worship
Uses wit, intellect, and subtle argument to explore faith and affection

10. Anne Bradstreet 1612-1672 --- “The First American Poet”
Settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1630
She was 18
Had 8 children
“Un-lady like” to write
Bradstreet wrote for herself, not to be published
1650 – Her brother-in-law had her collection published

11. More on Bradstreet The 10th Muse Lately Sprung Up in America
1st Original Poetry Collection written in America
Examined the rights of women to learn and express themselves
Later poems (To My Dear and Loving Husband) express feelings of love and Puritan Life
Poetry reflects
Knowledge of stories & language of the Bible, concern between earth and heavenly life

12. Works Cited http://www.nd.edu/~rbarger/www7/puritans.html