Discuss the main features of Puritan Literature with Special reference to Milton

Discuss the main features of Puritan Literature with Special reference to Milton

What is Puritan Literature?

Puritan literature is a literary movement that emerged during the early 17th century in England and America. It is characterized by the works of authors who were members of the Puritan religious group, which emerged in the 16th century as a reaction to the perceived corruption and decadence of the Church of England. Puritan literature is marked by its strong religious and moral focus, and its emphasis on the importance of individual salvation.

Puritan literature often deals with themes such as sin, redemption, and the nature of God, and it frequently uses allegory and symbolism to convey deeper religious and moral meanings. Many Puritan authors wrote sermons, which were delivered to congregations as a means of religious instruction. They often use plain and direct language, avoiding elaborate or ornate styles.

Puritan literature was written during a time of significant religious and political upheaval in England and America, and it reflects the values and beliefs of the Puritan community. It is characterized by the belief in predestination, the use of biblical references, the focus on the human condition, the use of moral instruction, the exploration of sin and guilt, the use of didactic elements, the exploration of the relationship between God and the individual, and the use of epic poetry, tragedy and satire.

Discuss the main features of Puritan Literature with Special reference to Milton:

John Milton, one of the most prominent Puritan poets, wrote several works that exemplify the main features of Puritan literature.

• Strong religious themes: Milton's poetry is heavily influenced by his Puritan beliefs, and many of his works, such as "Paradise Lost" and "Samson Agonistes," deal with religious themes such as sin, redemption, and the nature of God.
• Emphasis on individual salvation: Milton's works often focus on the individual's relationship with God and the importance of personal salvation. For example, in "Paradise Lost," Milton explores the fall of man and the consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience, and how it affected the individual's relationship with God and their quest for salvation.
• Use of plain and direct language: Milton's poetry often uses simple, direct language, avoiding elaborate or ornate styles. His writing is characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and directness in expressing his ideas.
• Use of allegory and symbolism: Milton frequently employs allegory and symbolism to convey deeper religious and moral meanings. For example, in "Paradise Lost," the serpent is an allegory for Satan, and the apple is a symbol of the forbidden fruit of knowledge.
• Use of sermons: Milton wrote several sermons, which were delivered to congregations as a means of religious instruction.
• Belief in predestination: Milton, as a Puritan, believed in the doctrine of predestination, which holds that God has already chosen who will be saved and who will be damned, regardless of their actions.
• Use of biblical references: Milton's poetry frequently references the Bible and uses scriptural allusions to support its religious and moral themes.
• Focus on the human condition: Milton's works often explore the human condition and the struggles of individuals to live a pious and God-fearing life.
• Use of moral instruction: Milton's poetry often includes moral instruction, offering guidance on how to live a virtuous and pious life.
• Exploration of sin and guilt: Milton's works often deal with themes of sin and guilt, and the need for repentance and redemption.
• Use of didactic elements: Many of Milton's works are didactic in nature, meaning they aim to instruct or teach the reader about moral and religious truths.
• Exploration of the relationship between God and the individual: The relationship between God and the individual is a recurring theme in Milton's works, which explores the individual's quest for salvation and the ways in which God intervenes in human affairs.
• Use of epic poetry: Milton's famous work "Paradise Lost" is an epic poem that explores the religious themes of sin, redemption, and the nature of God.
• Use of tragedy: Milton's "Samson Agonistes" is a tragic poem that deals with the themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.
• Use of satire: Milton's "Areopagitica" is a work that uses satire as a means of critiquing the moral shortcomings of society and individual behavior.

In conclusion, Puritan literature is a literary movement that emerged during the early 17th century in England and America. It is characterized by its strong religious and moral focus, as well as its emphasis on the importance of individual salvation. The main features of Puritan literature include the use of strong religious themes, plain and direct language, allegory and symbolism, sermons, the belief in predestination, biblical references, focus on the human condition, moral instruction, exploration of sin and guilt, didactic elements, exploration of the relationship between God and the individual, use of epic poetry, tragedy, and satire. Famous Puritan writers include John Milton, Anne Bradstreet, and Edward Taylor. Their works are still widely read and studied today for their historical and literary significance.