Jonathan Edwards Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

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Jonathan Edwards author of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” and Nathaniel Hawthorne author of “The Minister's Black Veil” wrote about the Puritans’ religion. Both texts include information about sins. Both texts also share and express different feelings towards the Puritan religion. The two texts will be compared by details, tone, and figurative language. While I would characterize Jonathan Edwards’ text as powerful and harsh, the character of Parson Hooper changes the reader’s understanding of Puritan ideals of religion by showing readers everyone sins. To begin with, the details in “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God” is more effective than “The Minister’s Black Veil.” Edwards writes “The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation.” This quote demonstrates God’s warranted anger for those who have destroyed his laws. The inclusion of this detail makes …show more content…

Even though Edwards text is more effective Hawthorne also uses specific tone to convey his message. Hawthorne writes, “The color rose into her cheeks as she intimated the nature of the rumors that were already abroad in the village. But Mr. Hooper’s mildness did not forsake him. He even smiled again that same sad smile, which always appeared like a faint glimmering of light, proceeding from the obscurity beneath the veil.” This quote shows that Parson Hooper and the community is melancholy the way Mr. Hooper smiles. While it is evident that Hawthorne’s tone is more reflective and melancholy, Edwards’ tone is more effective because they are more condemning and

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