153. DSM-101/DSC-501 Puritan Movement and Literature (4)

1. Give a brief note on Puritanism and Puritan its literature.

A:- Puritanism is a religious movement that originated in the late 1500s that sought to reform the Church of England. The Church of England had separated itself from the Catholic Church in 1534. Puritans wanted to rid the Church of England of any ties to Catholicism.

     Puritans believe in religious freedom. They also believe that the government should enforce moral rules through punishment and that everyone should live by the word of God and the Bible. Puritans also believe in an individual relationship with God.

     The Puritans were dissatisfied with the Anglican Church causing many of them to rebel. Puritanism first emerged in England but grew in popularity in the New England region of North America. Although the Church of England had separated itself from the Catholic Church in 1534, by 1553, under Queen Mary, England was reverted to Catholicism. This meant many Puritans faced exile.

     The Church of England separated from the Catholic Church because of King Henry VIII's desire to divorce his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon, and marry Anne Boleyn instead. King Henry VIII's motivation to annul his marriage because Queen Catherine had failed to produce him a male heir. However, under the Catholic Church, marriages that had been consummated could not be annulled. Therefore, King Henry VIII, as head of the Church of England, decided to split from the Catholic Church so he could be granted a divorce.

     When Queen Elizabeth took the throne in 1558, she re-established the Church of England as separate from Catholicism, but Puritans still rebelled. They felt that there were still too many ties to Catholicism in the Church of England. They refused to follow the law and were persecuted. In the early 1600s, many Puritans fled England. They first went to Holland and then to the Americas. The first Puritan colony was the Plymouth Colony, followed by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. More and more Puritan colonies spread throughout New England, reaching their peak in the mid-1600s.

     Puritan pilgrims were some of the first to arrive in the New England Colonies. Due to the growing distance many second or third-generation New Englanders began to turn to Protestantism. Puritanism faded from popularity and became a way of living that focused on morality, austerity, and purity.     Puritanism began to break into groups such as the Quakers, Baptists, and Methodists.

Many Puritan authors chose to write their pieces from the first person point of view. By writing in the first-person point of view it also helped show how the narrator incorporated God and the Bible into their everyday lives. By creating a personal connection with the reader, the reader is more likely to accept the underlying message of the written piece and abide by it. Especially when in the form of a sermon or letter, the values of the author are displayed.

     Puritan Literature was not meant to be entertaining. It was meant to provide the reader with lessons on religious themes and on how to live a more virtuous and pious life by God's word. The main theme was predestination, which meant that everyone is born a sinner and that a select few had been chosen by the will of God to enter heaven. Because it is unknown whether a person has been selected by God or not, everyone should live virtuously and morally.

The main goal of Puritan Literature was to teach and provide frameworks on how to live a life that follows the teachings of God and the Bible.     Puritans did not view literature as a form of entertainment; therefore, they shunned elaborate and complex forms of writing.

     Puritans placed heavy emphasis on living as sin-free as possible in the chance they are chosen by God to go to heaven.

In the 17th century, it was common for many people to have arranged marriages that were advantageous to their families either financially or socially. Puritans, however, believed marriage should be based on mutual love and that people had free will to choose their partners.

    The Influence of Puritan Literature is still highly influential, just as it was during its peak in the 17th century. Puritan Literature, with its simple writing style and accessibility to the everyday person, was easily circulated among members of society, particularly those in the New England Colonies. The circulation of Puritan Literature and ultimately its spread of Puritanism remained influential even after Puritanism lost its popularity in the 18th century. Puritan values such as working hard, avoiding promiscuous activities, and having an intimate relationship with God are still values held by many Americans today.

     The key characteristics of Puritan Literature include the use of the First-Person Point of View, a focus on religious themes such as predestination, a simple writing style, incorporation of many Biblical allusions, and an instillment of fear in the reader.

     Puritan writers include Anne Bradstreet, William Bradford, and Rev. Jonathan Edwards, whose contributions to Puritan Literature are still influential today.

2. What are the features of Puritan Literature?

A:- Puritan literature in English, which emerged in the 17th century, is characterized by several key features:

1. Religious Themes:Puritan literature often revolves around religious beliefs, emphasizing the importance of God, salvation, and the moral code prescribed by Puritan theology.

2. Moral Instruction: The writings aimed to instruct and guide readers morally, reinforcing Puritan values and ethics. They often conveyed a sense of accountability to a higher power.

3. Plain Style: Puritan writing favored a plain and straightforward style, avoiding elaborate language or ornate expression. Clarity of communication was valued over artistic flourish.

4. Allegory and Symbolism: Puritan literature frequently employed allegorical elements and symbolic representations to convey moral lessons or spiritual truths. This reflects the belief that events in the material world had spiritual significance.

5. Autobiographical Elements: Personal narratives and journals, such as spiritual autobiographies, were common. Puritan writers often reflected on their own spiritual journeys and experiences.

6. Community Focus:Puritan literature often underscored the importance of the community and collective responsibility. The writings frequently addressed issues related to the Puritan community's well-being and shared values.

7. The Doctrine of Election: Many Puritan works explored the concept of predestination, the belief that God had already chosen those who would be saved. This theological principle had a profound impact on Puritan thought.

8. Fear of God:There was a pervasive sense of fear and awe towards God in Puritan literature. The consequences of straying from the righteous path were often depicted vividly to instill a sense of moral urgency.

These features collectively contributed to the distinctiveness of Puritan literature, reflecting the religious and cultural context of the time.

3. What was Puritanism in England?

A:- Puritanism in England was a religious movement that emerged in the late 16th century and reached its height during the 17th century. Puritans were Protestant reformers who sought to "purify" the Church of England from what they perceived as remnants of Roman Catholic practices and doctrines. Key aspects of Puritanism in England include:

1. Religious Reform: Puritans were dissatisfied with what they saw as the remnants of Catholic rituals and hierarchical structures in the Church of England. They advocated for a simpler and more purely biblical form of worship.

2. Scriptural Authority: Puritans emphasized the authority of the Bible and believed in a personal interpretation of Scripture. They sought to base religious practices and beliefs directly on the Bible, rejecting what they considered unnecessary traditions.

3. Predestination: Puritans adhered to the Calvinist doctrine of predestination, which posited that God had predetermined who would be saved and who would be damned. This belief played a significant role in shaping Puritan theology and outlook.

4. Plain Living and High Moral Standards: Puritans valued simplicity in all aspects of life, including clothing and worship. They set high moral standards for themselves and their communities, promoting discipline and diligence in work and daily life.

5. Separatist Movements: Some Puritans, known as Separatists, believed that the Church of England was beyond reform and chose to separate from it entirely. They sought to establish independent congregations based on their own interpretation of Scripture.

6. The Great Migration:In the early 17th century, many Puritans migrated to the American colonies, particularly to New England, seeking religious freedom and the opportunity to establish communities based on their principles.

7. Impact on Culture and Education: Puritans had a profound influence on English culture and education. They placed a strong emphasis on literacy and education, establishing schools and promoting the reading of the Bible.

8. Role in the English Civil War: The Puritans played a significant role in the English Civil War (1642–1651) between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists. The Puritans, largely aligned with the Parliamentarians, sought political and religious reforms.

While Puritans faced periods of both acceptance and persecution in England, their ideas and influence left a lasting imprint on religious and cultural developments in England and, later, in the American colonies.

4. Who were chief writers during Puritan times?

A:- Several notable English writers emerged during the Puritan period, contributing to literature with works that often reflected Puritan beliefs or were influenced by the religious and political climate of the time. Some key figures include:

1. John Milton (1608–1674):A towering figure in English literature, Milton is best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost," which explores themes of sin, redemption, and the fall of humanity. He was a staunch Puritan and his writings reflect his political and religious convictions.

2. John Bunyan (1628–1688):A Puritan preacher and author, Bunyan wrote one of the most famous allegorical works in English literature, "The Pilgrim's Progress." This book, published in 1678, is an allegory of the Christian journey and a reflection of Bunyan's religious experiences.

3. Anne Bradstreet (1612–1672): America's first published poet, Bradstreet was a Puritan woman who wrote poetry that often dealt with themes of faith, family, and the struggles of daily life. Her work includes collections such as "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America."

4. Richard Baxter (1615–1691): A Puritan divine, Baxter was a prolific writer whose works covered theological, devotional, and practical topics. His famous work, "The Saints' Everlasting Rest," is a theological treatise on the concept of heaven.

5. Edward Taylor (1642–1729):An American Puritan poet, Taylor's works were not widely known during his lifetime but gained recognition later. His poems, often in the form of meditations, explore complex theological themes and personal reflections.

6. Thomas Fuller (1608–1661):A churchman and historian, Fuller's works, such as "The Church History of Britain," provide insights into the religious and historical context of the Puritan era.

7. Andrew Marvell (1621–1678): While not strictly a Puritan, Marvell's poetry often reflects Puritan sentiments and political concerns. His well-known poem "To His Coy Mistress" showcases both his wit and reflections on mortality.

These writers, among others, contributed significantly to the literary landscape of the Puritan period, offering a diverse range of works that capture the theological, political, and cultural nuances of the time