COLONIAL LITERATURE

The Puritan Influence

History

Puritan is a broad term that refers to any of a number of Protestant sects who were considered “Nonconformists” to the Church of England.

Many Puritans left England because of the persecution they suffered.

In 1620 about 100 Puritans set sail for the New World on The Mayflower.

Puritan Beliefs

The Puritans were practical, intensely committed, and convinced of the rightness of their purpose.

The Puritans believed in eternal salvation, but thought it was impossible to know for sure whether you (or anyone) had been saved or not.

They thought there were certain “clues” that one could look for, mainly evident in outward behavior.

Because of this, Puritans were constantly examining their inner lives and behaving in as saintly way as possible.

Values

The Puritans valued: Industriousness Temperance Sobriety Simplicity

Education

Reading the Bible was a necessity for all Puritans, as was the ability to understand reasoned theological debates. They realized education could help sharpen these skills.

Additionally, many settlers had attended higher education back in England and wanted the same opportunity for their children.

Thus, Harvard College was founded in 1636.

Literary Style

The Puritan values were evident in the literature they produced. (Remember *simplicity.)

They did not object to figures of speech but did not write with witty plays on words or any style that would seem excessive or frivolous.

They wrote in plain style- strong, simple, and logical.

They often kept diaries and histories, literal accounts.

Anne Bradstreet1612-1672

She was educated by tutors in her native England.

She lived during the time of Shakespeare and would have been familiar with his works.

The biggest influence was her Puritan religion.

She traveled to America with her husband in 1630.

Assignment

Read “To My Dear and Loving Husband” by Anne Bradstreet on page 96 in orange lit book.

Record answers as we discuss questions 1-5.