egoose: Overall Impression of Puritan Readings

Emily | September 9, 2007 | 4:05 PM

Overall Impression of Puritan Readings

All in all, I don't think that these readings will be among my favorites of the year. However, I do think that they did a great job setting us up for what to come. It gave us a good history and background of what went on towards the beginning of American history. The readings gave us a few different views, opinions, and types of writings. My favorite was Mrs. Rowlandson's excerpt, and I think this was because of how personal she made it seem. She put real feeling into her writing that was easily understood and comprehended by the reader. The Puritan readings seemed to have had a reoccuring theme of courage. The first reading showed us how brave the first Puritans were to start fresh in a new area and build on it. Mrs. Rowlandson showed the reader her courage throughout her entire story, particularly standing up to the Indians and not giving up. While the sermon was, as agreed by all, a little over the top, it took Edwards a lot of courage to say the things he said, because he was so sure of the opinions he had. He must've known what the reaction to his sermon would be, but he did it anyway. I think that the theme of courage will be constant throughout American Literature. Although these readings didn't interest me entirely, I think that with this "backbone" of history and a general understanding of the time, American Literature should come easier.

Comments: 5

Jennifer

on September 9, 2007 at 6:23 PM

Good logs, Emily. A+

Jennifer

on September 9, 2007 at 6:24 PM

Oops, it looks like this entry was late. A-

Griff

on September 10, 2007 at 10:07 PM

Well I didn't really think about courage being a part of the Puritan writings even after reading American Courage (kind of foolish I suppose) because I tend to take the role of critic. It is a good point to make. At the same time, their writing only shows the good things about their society (at least what we have read) until we started reading Jonathan Edwards. Of course, that is still opinion. But we don't get a large picture just from reading their work. I agree though fully that they are a good benchmark to measure other American Literature by. Also, certainly, this literature does give me a positive understanding of the kind of faith that the puritans had, which was amazing in my opinion-- even if it was pressured upon them by society.

Evan

on September 11, 2007 at 11:33 AM

I agree with a lot of the things you said, but like griffin i dont think bravery is that much of key aspect. There are exceptions, like Rowlandsons, but for the most part, it could be seen that they were just running away from the problem in England. But yeah, good points.

Joe

on September 11, 2007 at 1:45 PM

I like what you said about these being the backbone of American Lit. this is a great point for these really are among the first writings ever made in America. They will have a large impact on future American writers looking back for inspiration. Mrs. Rowlandson was a good log and it amazes me that someone could express themselves to other people like that.