Question

In the Lesson Activity “Puritan Literature” from the Colonial Literature tutorial, you read two works: As Weary Pilgrim, Now at Rest by Anne Bradstreet, and from Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards. Write an analysis comparing and contrasting the 2 views on death presented. Cite evidence from the texts that supports your claims.

Answer 1

These two texts represent the views that Puritans held regarding life, death and religion. Anne Bradstreet was one of the earliest poets in America, and through her writing, we can appreciate the thought that was common during this time period. In this poem, Bradstreet presents a positive view of death. She thinks of death as a relief from life, and believes that the person who dies is happy to be able to rest silently and peacefully. She says: "As weary pilgrim, now at rest,/Hugs with delight his silent nest." Moreover, she wishes that she will eventually experience this too, as this will mean the end of her pain and worries: "This body shall in silence sleep/Mine eyes no more shall ever weep/No fainting fits shall me assaile/nor grinding paines my body fraile."

On the other hand, Jonathan Edwards has a much more negative view in his text "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." Edwards sees God as a vengeful and strict being. He believes he is interested in punishing people for their misdeeds, which leads him to believe that death is something to be feared, as it will lead people to their final judgement and thus their eternal punishment. He tells us that "when that due time, or appointed time comes, their foot shall slide. Then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight. God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then, at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction." Although Edwards shares many Puritan ideas with Bradstreet, his view of religion is a much more negative one.