Puritanism American Lit.

What are the four convictions of Puritanism?

Personal salvation was entirely from God

The Bible provided the indispensable guide to life

The church should reflect the express teaching of scripture

Society was one unified whole

After reading biographies and selections of Winthrop and Bradford, compare and contrast the two men, their writings, and their beliefs.

William Bradford was the governor of Plymouth colony. He came to the Plymouth colony in 1620 aboard the Mayflower. Bradford was a Separatist, meaning he wanted to separate from the Church of England, start anew, and recreate the simplicity of early Christianity.

John Winthrop was the governor of Massachusetts Bay colony. He came to Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the Arbella. Bradford was a Puritan, meaning he wanted to purify and reform the Church of England and sought to create a model society called a “City upon a Hill.”

According to Winthrop, why was it necessary for his people and him to leave England?

Economic depression in England made Winthrop realize he could not depend on the income from his father’s estate and needed to find new means of support. He also realized if he antagonized the king by openly practicing Puritanism, he would be prosecuted or punished. He was also convinced God would bring his wrath upon England, and the New World was available as a place of refuge.

According to John Winthrop, what are the reasons God created both wealthy and impoverished classes?

He believed variety and differences in people preserved society as a whole, made it so people would have a need for one another, and it gave them the opportunity to manifest the work of the Spirit within them.

Were the eyes of the world really on the Puritans? Were they really a “City Upon a Hill”?

The eyes of the world were on the Puritans. The “eyes of the world” are referred to as God and England. Their society was being watched to see if their religion would succeed or fail in the New World. Winthrop believed God would surely bring his wrath upon the Puritans if their religion failed because of a lack of unity and conformity.

What legal term does Winthrop use to describe the Puritans’ relationship with God?

A covenant. Winthrop believed if his ideal Puritan society failed, God would set his wrath upon them and punish them.

In “To My Dear and Loving Husband,” the speaker claims that her love for her husband is equal to what?

She claims her love is equal to her husband’s love for her. She prizes her love more than gold and rivers cannot quench it.

Anne Bradstreet’s published works first appeared under what title?

Tenth Muse Lately Sprung up in America

In Bradstreet’s “Verses upon the Burning of Our House,” what does the author mostly criticize herself for?

She criticizes herself for forgetting that her material objects and possessions are not what’s really important. She chastises herself for thinking she’s lost everything when all her wealth is in heaven, because God was the one who ordained it for her.

When Bradstreet writes, “Thou hast a house on high erect…” what does she mean?

God has a house waiting for her in heaven.

Would Anne Bradstreet’s Puritan religion have seen women writing poetry as immodest?

Yes. Puritan society was built over ideals of women being helpers to men, not creatives or leaders of society. Puritans believed your goals, life and everything you do should be for the glory of God. Writing poetry for your love of other people rather than God was frowned upon.

Was Anne Bradstreet a true Puritan?

Not necessarily. Though she was faithful to God, she often questioned the truth of the scriptures in the Bible. She had never seen any convincing miracles and always wondered if the ones she read about were real. She came to believe evidence of God was found in nature, such as seasons changing, day and night, and the natural order of earth and all things.

Was her manuscript really published without her knowledge?

Yes. “The Author to Her Book” reveals her “friends” stole her diary and exposed it to everyone.