Between Heaven and Hell

The Puritan Tradition

Puritan beliefs:Human beings are inherently evil and

so must struggle to overcome their sinful nature.

Personal salvation depends solely on the grace of God.

The Bible is the supreme authority on earth.

Puritan logic:The longer you live, the more you sin.The more you sin, the angrier God gets.The angrier He gets, the worse your

punishment will be.The sooner you die, the better off you’ll

be.

Puritan literature:Purpose – moral instruction (for

teaching, not pleasure)Types – sermons, poetry, hymnsPrinted first book in America

1640 Bay Psalm Book (collection of sacred

songs or hymns)

Anne Bradstreet (1612 – 1672)

One of most important figures in history of American literature

Considered by many to be the first American poet

Works included the struggles of a Puritan wife against the hardships of New England colonial life

Anne Bradstreet (1612 – 1672)

Exemplary love for her faith, children, and husband

Wrote in a simple, lyrical style pleasant for anyone to read

Even though it was difficult for women to air their views in her time, she did so with ease