Puritanism 1620-1728

    The byword of the era: FAITH  Characteristics: Believed one could come to knowledge and truth through faith in GodEmphasized one’s relationship with GodGod was personal – Biblical God; often Old Testament God of wrath and judgementMainly interested in life after death – the Hereafter of heaven or hellBelieved they were God’s elect and uplifted the aristocracyBelieved in predestination – predestined for heaven or hell  
     Learning Targets:  D: I can include textual evidence from the text(s) to support my reasoning. E: I read carefully to determine what this author’s writing is trying to tell me on the surface, and I make logical inferences (judgments) about what this author is trying to communicate on a deeper level.
Essential Question: What makes American literature truly American?
As you read Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford pg. 58 (7 pages) Questions and Prompts Answer in complete sentences: 1.Read the first two paragraphs. What about the language seems strange to you? How do you think a modern American would paraphrase what Bradford, the author, is saying? The language seems to be pretty advanced but nothing out of the ordinary. Probably simpler words and some phrases would be modernized. 2. a. What adjectives (describing words) does Bradford use as he writes about this new continent and the people who live here?  Make a list of the words that he uses.  b. What do those words suggest about Bradford’s attitude (tone) towards this new place and the inhabitants? Poor, water beaten, savage barbarians, sharp and violent winters, hideous and desolate wilderness, wild beasts and wild men etc.   He did not like this new place and thought the inhabitants where inhuman essentially.  He thought everything was bad, like weather, people , animals etc. 3. The Puritans were a devout people who believed that the Bible should be at the very center of every aspect in their lives.  Consider the number of references to the Bible, God, Heaven, special providence, Lord, and other religious-sounding words or phrases.  How might the Puritan religious perspective affect their attitudes towards, and interactions with, a group of people who do not share their background? Explain with support. “What could now sustain them but the spirit of grace.”  This is a quote that gives you a pretty good idea of what they wanted.  They wanted to spread their religion and make their beliefs align 5. If the Native Americans were to write something for their future generations (they passed down their stories through oral tradition), how would they describe the same experiences that Bradford records? How would their point of view have been different?  Do you think that the Native Americans shared any ideas or attitudes about life that were similar to the Puritans, and vice versa?  If so, what were those elements of common ground? I think they would be equally judging, as they basically came in and took land and property.  I also think that it is natural to be judgemental about something that is new.  I don’t think they shared religious ideologies but they shared many thought processes.  As we share with them as well.  They both believed in a higher power, and worshiped them frequently.  Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Excerpts from the sermon by Jonathan Edwards pg. 87 (5 pages)
      Directions:: Much Like Bradford, Edwards writes in a very complex style. Breaking down sentences will help the reader
understand the concepts and ideas expressed in the writing. Answer text dependent questions with evidence to support your
response.
QuestionAnswerEvidence
1. Of what does Edwards believe his congregation is not “sensible”?You could go to hell at any time.  He is holding you from hellThe first paragraph states it.
2. Why does Edwards believe that some of his congregation does not fear Hell?Because of their actions.  If they are not afraid of god they will go to hellThis whole page talks about how bad and scary  god is and that he is the only thing keeping you from hell
Directions:  For each of the selections below, use the right column to indicate three different characteristics of Puritanism that are evident in the text, and then support each with textual evidence.  Use MLA citations for the page numbers. Everyone’s answers will differ. I have provided one example for Of Plymouth Plantation.
    William Bradford – from Of Plymouth Plantation You will also want to read the introduction to this selection on pages 56 and 75.        Characteristic:  Mainly interested in life after death – the Hereafter of heaven or hell   Your argument/reasoning: In this excerpt of Of Plymouth Plantation, Bradford reflects the characteristic of Puritanism of focusing on life after death. He speaks here of the reward of heaven that he expects for those of his faith:   Evidence/Quote: “I may say of many others who died in this general visitation, and others yet living, that whilst they had their health, yea, or any strength continuing, they were not wanting to any that had need of them. And I doubt not that their recompense is with the Lord” (62).   Characteristic:  Believed one could come to knowledge and truth through faith in God   Your argument/reasoning:  this quote shows that he believed god would help everyone including them.  It also shows that God was a essential part of life.   Evidence/Quote: “What could now sustain them but the spirit of grace.”  
    Jonathan Edwards – from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God You will also want to read the introduction to this selection on pages 84 and 85.  Characteristic:Emphasized one’s relationship with God   Your argument/reasoning:  This quote is saying when he was in school he would read sermons.  This isn’t like college or anything, this is when he was under 12.  This shows he had an emphasis on religion and god before he became an adult. Evidence/Quote:  “He is said to have read sermons to his classmates”     Characteristic:  Emphasized one’s relationship with God   Your argument/reasoning:  He is saying without god, you are nobody, and you don’t deserve to live without god.  He is the reason you are here.   Evidence/Quote:  Were it not for the sovereign pleasure of god, the earth would not bear you one moment.    

Learning Progression: 

Learning TargetsEmergingDevelopingMeetingExceeding
I can include textual evidence from the texts  to support my reasoning.     DI’m beginning to identify textual evidence to support my reasoning.With help from my teacher and my classmates, I provide textual evidence from the texts which begins to support my reasoning.Independently, I provide sufficient textual evidence from the textswhich clearly supports my reasoning.Independently, I provide thorough textual evidence from the texts  which clearly supports my reasoning.  Textual evidence is incorporated smoothly.   I can even help my classmates find textual evidence from the texts to support their own reasoning.
I read carefully to determine what this author’s writing is trying to tell me on the surface, and I make logical inferences (judgments) about what this author is trying to communicate on a deeper level.   EI’m beginning to understand a few of the main points this writer is making.With help from my teacher and my classmates, I demonstrate an understanding of what this writer is trying to communicate on the surface, I’m starting to get a clear understanding of what an inference is, and I’m beginning to make some inferences about deeper meanings in the text.  Independently, I demonstrate a solid understanding of what this author is trying to communicate to me on the surface, I have a clear understanding of what an inference is, and I consistently make logical inferences about what I’m reading.      Independently, I demonstrate a thorough understanding of what this author is trying to communicate to me on the surface, I make unique, logical inferences about deeper meanings in the text, and I can help my classmates understand this text.    

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