Similarities Between Edwards And Anne Bradstreet

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Puritan Literature Comparison
“Among all my experiences of God’s gracious dealings with me I have constantly observed this, that He hath never suffered me long to sit loose from him...” (Bradstreet 68). Anne Bradstreet is showing her devotion to God and is focusing on his love and mercy. Bradstreet found inspiration in William Shakespeare but more importantly what drove her poetry was religious beliefs. Being born into a Puritan family, Bradstreet became accustomed to Puritan behavior and had a strong belief in God. Jonathan Edwards, another strong believer in God, had the same Puritan beliefs but thought if a person shall sin they would be destined to end up in hell. Edwards is an extreme pastor and this is shown in the sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” The two being the ideal Puritan religion have strong opinions on viewing God …show more content…

To begin, both writings are based on being a good Puritan. This is justified by, “You find you are kept out of hell… as the good state of your bodily constitution” (Edwards 80). Furthermore, both the sermon and the poem’s language is stating that God is above all, thus he is the most powerful. Anne Bradstreet’s poem shows this when saying, “Yet by his gift is made thine own; there’s wealth enough, I need no more… My hope and treasure lies above” (Bradstreet 70). Lastly, the two authors, Bradstreet and Edwards, both were raised into a religious Puritan family. This can be observed in the sermon when, “However you may have reformed your life in many things, and may have had religious affections, and may keep up a form of religion in your families…” (Edwards 81). Growing up in a Puritan family shows ethos because the two authors are credible to explain Puritan behaviors and traditions. The similarities of the two passages tie the two together and convince the reader to become a

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