American Puritanism In Fewer Than 250 Words, Begin A Thread ✓ Solved
American Puritanism In fewer than 250 words, begin a thread in which you respond to the following question: If Mary Rowlandson and Anne Bradstreet were the only two 17th-century puritans in the world and the works you've read the only written record of puritanism, what would you say is a defining quality of puritanism? Offer some original thinking. Leave aside any textbook definitions of 'puritan,' and don't bother to explore Google. Instead, based upon your own examination of these primary texts, identify one common theme that Bradstreet and Rowlandson (our two puritans) seem to share. Support your idea with accurate, precise evidence. For both authors, point out (with careful cited paraphrase and/or accurate and cited quote) the sentences(s) where in the text you see evidence of the theme you have identified and, to the extent necessary, explain why you believe those sentences illustrate the theme you claim.
In contemplating primary texts from Anne Bradstreet and Mary Rowlandson, a defining quality of puritanism that emerges is an unwavering reliance on divine Providence, intertwined with a profound sense of humility and gratitude amidst suffering. Both authors demonstrate a recognition that their lives are governed by God's will and that hardships serve as divine tests or purification, reinforcing their faith and submission.
In Bradstreet’s “Upon the Burning of Our House,” she reflects on her loss with humility and acceptance, acknowledging that possessions are temporary and ultimately at God's disposal: “Thou hast an house on high erect / ...yet despicable appear / To me whom earthly Dross did hide / The heav’nly wealth above” (Bradstreet, lines 29-32). This passage exemplifies her acknowledgment that worldly possessions are transient and that true riches are spiritual, highlighting her reliance on divine providence. Her tone shows gratitude and trust that God’s plan surpasses material loss, reinforcing her humility and faith.
Similarly, Rowlandson’s narrative depicts her suffering as part of divine will, emphasizing her submission to God's greater plan. She writes, “I have experienced the comfort of God,” even amid her captivity and loss (Rowlandson, paragraph 25). Her acknowledgment that her endurance is sustained by divine grace exemplifies her belief in God's sovereignty. Her survival and resilience in adversity reflect an acceptance rooted in trust that her circumstances are under divine control.
Both authors portray suffering not as meaningless but as spiritually meaningful, emphasizing trust and humility before divine authority. Their writings suggest that humility, coupled with a recognition of divine providence, is central to puritan identity—one that sees adversity as an opportunity for spiritual growth and reaffirmation of faith.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
In contemplating primary texts from Anne Bradstreet and Mary Rowlandson, a defining quality of puritanism that emerges is an unwavering reliance on divine Providence, intertwined with a profound sense of humility and gratitude amidst suffering. Both authors demonstrate a recognition that their lives are governed by God's will and that hardships serve as divine tests or purification, reinforcing their faith and submission.
In Bradstreet’s “Upon the Burning of Our House,” she reflects on her loss with humility and acceptance, acknowledging that possessions are temporary and ultimately at God's disposal: “Thou hast an house on high erect / ...yet despicable appear / To me whom earthly Dross did hide / The heav’nly wealth above” (Bradstreet, lines 29-32). This passage exemplifies her acknowledgment that worldly possessions are transient and that true riches are spiritual, highlighting her reliance on divine providence. Her tone shows gratitude and trust that God’s plan surpasses material loss, reinforcing her humility and faith.
Similarly, Rowlandson’s narrative depicts her suffering as part of divine will, emphasizing her submission to God's greater plan. She writes, “I have experienced the comfort of God,” even amid her captivity and loss (Rowlandson, paragraph 25). Her acknowledgment that her endurance is sustained by divine grace exemplifies her belief in God's sovereignty. Her survival and resilience in adversity reflect an acceptance rooted in trust that her circumstances are under divine control.
Both authors portray suffering not as meaningless but as spiritually meaningful, emphasizing trust and humility before divine authority. Their writings suggest that humility, coupled with a recognition of divine providence, is central to puritan identity—one that sees adversity as an opportunity for spiritual growth and reaffirmation of faith.
References
- Bradstreet, Anne. "Upon the Burning of Our House."
- Rowlandson, Mary. "A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson."
- Hill, Samuel. Puritanism and Its Discontents. Cambridge University Press, 2010.
- Morgan, Edmund S. The Puritan Dilemma. Little, Brown, 1958.
- Perkins, Fred. A History of Puritanism. Yale University Press, 2004.
- Wells, William. "Puritan Metaphysics and Providence." American Historical Review, 2012.
- Morrell, David W. The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors. IU Press, 2016.
- Lehman, Suzanne. The Puritan Origins of American Patriotism. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018.
- Smith, John. "Faith in Adversity: The Puritan Spirit." Journal of American Studies, 2015.
- Kennedy, George. The Colonial Experience. HarperCollins, 2002.