The
Puritans had a very simple form of writing of which they focused on the Bible
and religious themes. The story a Narrative
of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson by Mary Rowlandson
and the poem Upon the Burning of our House by Anne Bradstreet are both
examples of the Puritan form of writing.
Since the Puritans thought it was a sin to go into extreme detail, their
works are very straightforward and plain. The writings of Rowlandson and
Bradstreet reflected the qualities of devotion to God, perseverance through
trials, and the bond of family; qualities that were essential to the Puritan
way of life.
The Puritans were deeply devoted to
God and living out his commandments on earth.
This idea is commonly seen in Puritan literature and these pieces are no
exception. Rowlandson’s work reflects
this thought, “but God was with me in a wonderful manner, carrying me along,
and hearing up my spirit, that it did not quite fail” (Rowlandson 83). Even when God seemed to be forgetting them,
the Puritans stayed true to Him and did not lose faith. This unwavering devotion is repeated a number
of times in both pieces of literature. “And
when I could no longer look, I blest His name that gave and took, That laid my
goods now in the dust” (Bradstreet L13-15).
Both Mary Rowland and Anne Bradstreet demonstrated uncommon faith that
influenced their view on life. Religion
and God were a central part in the life of a Puritan, so it played a large role
in literature written by Puritans.
Perseverance is another quality of
the Puritans that is often described in their literature. Both these forms of literature deal with women
undergoing trials that test their emotions, strength, and faith in God. Through these trials both women persevere
because the motivation of family and a brighter future. Mary Rowlandson did not let the death of her
son despair her; instead she looked for the positives of life and was thankful
for being blessed with safety. Anne Bradstreet also thanked God because He
gave her the strength to collect a few of the valuable things in her house
instead of looking at all of the things she lost because of the fire (Bradstreet). The
perseverance of these two authors along with countless others like them made
the Puritans a strong group able to survive during difficult times.
Family was another element that made
Puritan writing unique. It was one of the
main motivations for many pieces of literature.
Mary Rowlandson kept hope because she wanted to see her family again,
and eventually her husband bought her freedom. Anne Bradstreet did not mention much family in
this poem, but she wrote another titled “To My Dear and Loving Husband” that
explains the importance of family to her.
Puritans families were close knit societies and they cared for each
other’s needs. This aspect affected the
lifestyle and tone that Puritan literature so clearly demonstrates.
Puritan qualities of faith, perseverance,
and family influenced their literature and way of life. Neither
of the stories went into great detail on these women’s tragedies, instead they took
a positive view of life and focused on what God could do through their lives
during the hard circumstances. The
faith, perseverance, and dedication to family demonstrated by these writings had
a positive influence on the society and culture of their time.
Wilhelm, Jeffery D., Douglass Fisher, Beverley A. Chin, and Jacqueline J.
Royster. American Literature. Columbus: Glencoe/McGrawHill, 2009. Print.
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