Social Historical Background of the Puritan Age:

Cultural Renaissance: The Puritan Age saw a flourishing of literature, including drama, poetry, and prose,
despite the strict moral and religious codes.

Colonization: Puritans played a role in early American colonization, establishing the Plymouth Colony in
1620 and the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630.

Political Turmoil: The reign of Queen Elizabeth I and subsequent Stuart monarchs witnessed political and
religious conflicts, culminating in the English Civil War (1642-1651).

Religious Reformation: Puritans sought to purify the Church of England from perceived remnants of
Roman Catholic practices.

Major Literary Works of the Puritan Age:

Anne Bradstreet’s poetry: As the first published American poet, her works, such as “The Tenth Muse
Lately Sprung Up in America” (1650), reflect Puritan religious devotion.

John Donne’s metaphysical poetry: Poems like “Holy Sonnets” and “The Flea” explore complex themes of
love, religion, and human experience.

John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” (1667): An epic poem exploring biblical themes and the fall of man.

John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” (1678): An allegorical work reflecting Puritan values and the
spiritual journey.