Assignment

Course Title: American Literature-I

Course Code: ENG-401
Submitted to: Mam Roha
Submitted by: Tahreem Safdar
Roll No: 2301702-001
 Puritan Age: A literary and cultural overview
About Puritan Age:
The Puritan Age was a period of English history that lasted from the late 16th
century to the late 17th century. It was a time of great religious and political
upheaval, as the Puritans sought to purify the Church of England of what they
saw as corrupt practices and beliefs.
The Puritans were a religious group that emerged in the late 16th century as a
reaction against the perceived moral decay of the Church of England. They
believed in a strict interpretation of the Bible and sought to cleanse the church
of any practices or beliefs that they deemed unscriptural. They also placed a
strong emphasis on individual piety and personal discipline.
During the Puritan Age, England was in a state of constant religious and
political turmoil. The Puritans were opposed by the established church and by
the monarchy, both of which saw them as a threat to their authority. As a result,
the Puritans faced persecution and discrimination, and many were forced to flee
to the other countries, such as the Netherlands and later to the American
colonies. They sought religious freedom and the ability to practice their beliefs
without persecution. Some Puritans eventually settled in places like
Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island in what is now the United States.
Here are some key points about the Puritan age:

Key Points:
 Religious Influence: Puritanism was deeply rooted in the belief in the
authority of the Bible and the importance of personal salvation. Writers
like John Winthrop and William Bradford reflected this emphasis on
spirituality in their works, such as Winthrop's "A Model of Christian
Charity" (1630) and Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation" (1620-1647).
The Bible was a central text in Puritan culture, influencing the themes,
imagery, and language of Puritan writers.

 Simplistic Style: Puritan writers favored a plain, straightforward writing

style, avoiding ornate language and focusing on clarity and sincerity. This
simplicity is evident in the works of poets like Anne Bradstreet, who
wrote "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America" (1650), and
 Edward Taylor, who penned "Preparatory Meditations" (1680s). This
style was a deliberate choice, reflecting the Puritan values of humility and
modesty.

 Individualism and Self-Reliance: Puritanism emphasized personal

responsibility and self-reliance, values that are reflected in the writings of
authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne, who were
influenced by the Puritan tradition. This emphasis on individualism was a
key aspect of Puritan thought, and it continues to shape American culture
and literature today.

 Community and Social Hierarchy: Puritan society was characterized by

a strong sense of community and social hierarchy, with a emphasis on the
importance of family, church, and government. This is evident in the
works of writers like John Cotton and Thomas Shepard, who wrote about
the importance of community and social order. The Puritans believed in
the importance of living in harmony with others, and their writing often
reflected this emphasis on community and social responsibility.

 The Role of Women: Puritan women played a significant role in the

literary scene, with authors like Anne Bradstreet and Mary Rowlandson
contributing to the development of American literature. While women's
roles were often limited in Puritan society, they found ways to express
themselves through writing, and their contributions to American literature
are still celebrated today.

 The Influence of the Bible: The Bible was a central text in Puritan
culture, influencing the themes, imagery, and language of Puritan writers.
The Bible was seen as the ultimate authority, and Puritan writers often
drew on its themes and imagery in their own work.

 The Legacy of Puritanism: The Puritan Age had a lasting impact on

American literature and culture. The emphasis on simplicity, hard work,
 and spiritual purity continues to influence American writing today, and
the legacy of Puritanism can be seen in the works of authors like
Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and Ernest Hemingway.

Puritan Age Poets

One famous Puritan poet is Anne Bradstreet. She wrote a collection of poems
called "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America." Her poetry reflects
her Puritan beliefs and her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated society.
Another notable poet is Edward Taylor, who wrote religious poems known as
"Meditations." His poems explore his deep faith and the struggles of the
Puritan life.
John Milton is another important figure from this era. While he wasn't strictly a
Puritan, his epic poem "Paradise Lost" explores themes of sin, redemption,
and the fall of man, which were significant to Puritan beliefs.
Here are some other Puritan poets and their related work:
- William Woodbridge: “The Wilderness Condition” (1660s)
- John Winthrop: “A Model of Christian Charity” (1630)
- William Bradford: “Of Plymouth Plantation” (1620-1647)
- Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Nature” (1836)
- Nathaniel Hawthorne: “The Scarlet Letter” (1850)

Novel:The Scarlet Letter

“The Scarlet letter” by “Nathaniel Hawthorne” is set in the Puritan era,
specifically in the mid-17th century in Boston, Massachusetts. The novel
explores the themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, which were central to Puritan
beliefs.
In the story, Hester Prynne, the main character, is publicly shamed and forced to
wear a scarlet letter “A” on her chest as punishment for committing adultery.
This punishment reflects the Puritan society’s strict moral code and their
emphasis on public humiliation for those who transgressed their religious
beliefs.
“The Scarlet Letter” delves into the inner struggles of its characters, particularly
Hester, as she navigates the consequences of her sin and seeks redemption. The
novel also examines the hypocrisy and judgmental nature of the Puritan
community, highlighting the tension between their professed piety and their
harsh treatment of those who deviated from their moral standards.

Overall, “The Scarlet Letter” provides a glimpse into the Puritan mindset and
the complexities of their society. It explores the themes and conflicts that were
prevalent during the Puritan age, making it a fascinating read for understanding
that time period.