The PuritansThe Puritans

One Last Note on Explorers…One Last Note on Explorers…

Values Seen in Contemporary SocietyValues Seen in Contemporary Society CapitalismCapitalism GreedGreed PrejudicePrejudice DiscoveryDiscovery

Puritan BackgroundPuritan Background

Fled from England to escape religious Fled from England to escape religious persecution.persecution.– Tried to “purify” the Anglican Church.Tried to “purify” the Anglican Church.– AKA Separatists & PilgrimsAKA Separatists & Pilgrims

Sailed to New England in 1620Sailed to New England in 1620– Native Americans were helpful (Thanksgiving)Native Americans were helpful (Thanksgiving)– Puritans believed that Native Americans were Puritans believed that Native Americans were

linked to the Devil.linked to the Devil.

ReligionReligion Religion was the center of Puritan life.Religion was the center of Puritan life.

– Believed in a vengeful, angry God.Believed in a vengeful, angry God.– People are sinners (Original Sin)People are sinners (Original Sin)

Only through devotion to God can you be saved.Only through devotion to God can you be saved.

Hoped to establish a “city on a hill,” a beacon Hoped to establish a “city on a hill,” a beacon for the whole world to see.for the whole world to see.

LifestyleLifestyle

Dedication to hard workDedication to hard work– ““Puritan” work ethic as a way to salvationPuritan” work ethic as a way to salvation

The Devil is everywhereThe Devil is everywhere– Must be vigilant at all times to resist his charms.Must be vigilant at all times to resist his charms.– Salem Witch Trials: Witches = Devil’s BridesSalem Witch Trials: Witches = Devil’s Brides

Committed to educationCommitted to education– Founded Harvard University to educate ministryFounded Harvard University to educate ministry

Puritan WritingPuritan Writing

Writing served as a means to praise God.Writing served as a means to praise God.– No fiction or dramaNo fiction or drama– Fiction is the devil’s style!Fiction is the devil’s style!

PoetryPoetry– First American poets are Puritans.First American poets are Puritans.– Poetry is plain—concerned about message over formPoetry is plain—concerned about message over form– Other writings including sermons, histories, and Other writings including sermons, histories, and

autobiographies.autobiographies.

Essential QuestionsEssential Questions

To what extent should religion influence our To what extent should religion influence our society?society?

How do fear and paranoia influence our How do fear and paranoia influence our decisions?decisions?

How important is your reputation?How important is your reputation?