Percy
Introduction
When diving into American literature, we encounter a fascinating evolution of writing styles and ideologies that reflect the social, political, and religious shifts occurring throughout history. Among these shifts, two of the most notable literary movements are Puritan and Revolutionary American literature. These movements have significant differences in tone, style, themes, and purpose. Understanding these differences can offer insights into the cultural landscape of early America.
So, let’s explore the 5 key differences between Puritan and Revolutionary American literature, unraveling how each influenced the fabric of American identity.
What is Puritan American Literature?
Puritan literature was born out of the religious and cultural values of the early settlers in the 17th century. It reflects the belief system of the Puritans, who sought to create a society based on strict religious principles. Puritan literature often centered around themes of divine Providence, sin, redemption, and moral introspection.
Historical Context of Puritan Literature
Puritan writers emerged in the early colonial days of America, around the 1600s, and were heavily influenced by their religious beliefs. The Puritans believed that they were divinely chosen to create a “city upon a hill,” a moral example for the rest of the world. As a result, their literature often revolved around exploring God’s will and their relationship with Him.
Key Themes in Puritan Literature
- Divine Providence: The belief that everything, both good and bad, was part of God’s divine plan.
- Moral Purity: Puritans focused on leading virtuous lives, condemning sinful behaviors and practices.
- Original Sin: The idea that all humans are born sinful, and redemption is only achieved through God’s grace.
Famous Puritan Writers
Notable Puritan writers include Anne Bradstreet, the first published American poet, and Jonathan Edwards, whose famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” captured the fiery intensity of Puritan theology. For a deeper dive into Puritan writing and its influence, check out our section on Puritan Writing.
What is Revolutionary American Literature?
Revolutionary American literature emerged during the late 18th century, primarily during and after the American Revolution. Unlike the Puritans, who focused on religion, the Revolutionary writers were driven by political ideas, advocating for liberty, independence, and the creation of a new nation. Their literature laid the foundation for the ideals that would shape the American identity.
Historical Context of Revolutionary Literature
The American Revolution, which culminated in 1783, was a turning point in history. Revolutionary literature was shaped by the political and philosophical ideologies that sparked the revolution, such as Enlightenment thinking, democratic principles, and the desire for freedom from British rule. For more information on the philosophical basis behind American independence, you can visit our American Literature section.
Key Themes in Revolutionary Literature
- Liberty and Freedom: Revolutionary writers celebrated individual liberty and political autonomy.
- The Pursuit of Happiness: Writers explored the concept of self-determination and personal fulfillment.
- Social Justice: Revolutionary literature questioned societal structures and advocated for reform.
Famous Revolutionary Writers
Prominent writers from the Revolutionary era include Thomas Paine, whose pamphlet “Common Sense” ignited revolutionary sentiment, and Thomas Jefferson, who authored the Declaration of Independence, which laid out the philosophical basis for American self-governance.
Key Differences Between Puritan and Revolutionary American Literature
Now that we understand the foundations of both Puritan and Revolutionary American literature, let’s break down the five key differences between the two.
1. Religious vs. Political Influence
Puritan literature is deeply rooted in religious beliefs. Puritan writers were primarily concerned with their relationship with God and the moral implications of their actions. The political influence was minimal, with the focus instead on living a life that aligned with religious teachings.
In contrast, Revolutionary literature was driven by political motivations. The writers sought independence from British rule and were heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, who emphasized reason and individual rights. This shift towards political thought marked a significant departure from the Puritan religious focus.
2. Tone and Style
Puritan literature tends to have a serious, somber tone, reflecting the Puritans’ belief in the gravity of life and death, sin, and redemption. The style is often didactic (aimed at teaching moral lessons), and many works are written in a plain style, focused on clarity rather than aesthetic beauty.
Revolutionary literature, however, is more rhetorical and persuasive. Writers like Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry used their works to inspire and rally others to action. The tone can be both emotional and inspirational, often calling for radical change and action. You can explore more about the style and impact of Revolutionary rhetoric in the section on Literary Genres.
3. The Role of Nature
In Puritan literature, nature is often seen as a reflection of God’s power. The Puritans were deeply connected to nature, viewing it as a place where they could witness God’s divine influence. Their descriptions of nature are often symbolic and focus on the spiritual significance of the natural world.
On the other hand, Revolutionary writers viewed nature through a more philosophical lens. Nature was seen as a symbol of freedom and progress, rather than divine will. Nature in Revolutionary literature is often tied to the ideas of self-reliance and human potential. For more on how nature played a role in early American writing, check out the Literary Periods page.
4. Focus on Individualism vs. Community
Puritan literature is highly focused on community and the idea of collective morality. The Puritans believed that the welfare of the individual was inseparable from the welfare of the group. Their literature often reflects this communal mindset, where the actions of one could affect the entire community’s standing with God.
Revolutionary literature, in contrast, places a greater emphasis on the individual. Thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thomas Paine celebrated personal freedom and the rights of individuals to make their own decisions. The Revolutionary focus was on self-determination and independence. For further exploration of individualism in American literature, visit our guide on Ralph Waldo Emerson.
5. Purpose and Audience
The purpose of Puritan literature was to instruct and moralize. Writers aimed to provide spiritual guidance and to help readers reflect on their relationship with God. The audience for Puritan literature was primarily fellow Puritans, seeking reassurance and divine understanding.
Revolutionary literature, however, was designed to persuade and mobilize the general public. The audience was broader, including not only the colonists but also those in power, such as the British monarchy. The purpose was to stir the people to action and bring about political change. Learn more about the rhetorical strategies used in Revolutionary writing in our section on Literary Analysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Puritan and Revolutionary American literature played pivotal roles in shaping the early American identity, their differences are stark. Puritan literature was largely shaped by religious beliefs, with an emphasis on communal morality and divine providence. In contrast, Revolutionary literature emerged from political and philosophical movements, focused on liberty, personal freedom, and the creation of a new democratic nation.
These differences not only reflect the changing mindset of the time but also underscore how literature can act as a mirror to societal values and concerns. If you’re interested in further reading about early American writers and their influence, we invite you to explore our Foundational Writers page.
FAQs
- What is the main difference between Puritan and Revolutionary American literature?
The main difference is that Puritan literature is deeply rooted in religious beliefs and moral instruction, while Revolutionary literature is focused on political independence, liberty, and the creation of a new nation. - Who were some famous Puritan writers?
Notable Puritan writers include Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards, both of whom focused on themes of divine providence and sin. - How did the role of nature differ in Puritan and Revolutionary literature?
In Puritan literature, nature symbolized God’s power and divine order. In Revolutionary literature, nature was seen as a symbol of human freedom and progress. - Why did Revolutionary literature focus on individualism?
Revolutionary writers emphasized individualism because they were advocating for personal freedom, independence, and self-determination. - Was Puritan literature purely religious?
Yes, Puritan literature was almost entirely focused on religious themes, exploring human sinfulness, divine grace, and the individual’s relationship with God. - How did tone differ between Puritan and Revolutionary literature?
Puritan literature had a serious, somber tone aimed at moral instruction, while Revolutionary literature had a more emotional and persuasive tone, aiming to inspire action. - What were the primary themes in Revolutionary American literature?
Key themes in Revolutionary literature include liberty, freedom, self-determination, and social justice.