Clifford P. answered • 03/17/23
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American and British Puritan literature share a common theme of religious piety and a belief in predestination, but there are some notable differences between the two, namely in terms of historical context, style, and subject matter.
Historical Context: American Puritan literature emerged during the 17th century in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, while British Puritan literature emerged during the 16th and 17th centuries in England.
Style: American Puritan literature tends to be more plain and straightforward, with a focus on practical and religious matters, while British Puritan literature is more ornate and poetic, with a focus on theological and philosophical issues.
Subject Matter: American Puritan literature often deals with the harsh realities of life in the new world, such as disease, famine, and conflict with Native Americans, while British Puritan literature often deals with the political and religious upheavals of the time, such as the English Civil War and the execution of Charles I.
Examples which illustrate the differences:
American Puritan Literature:
"The Maypole of Merry Mount" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, depicts the clash between the Puritan colonists and a group of revelers who celebrate their own version of Christianity.
"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards, a fiery sermon that warns of the dangers of sin and the inevitability of God's wrath.
British Puritan Literature:
"Paradise Lost" by John Milton, explores the Fall of Man and the concept of free will in the context of Christian theology.
"The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan, a Christian allegory that follows the journey of a man named Christian as he seeks salvation and encounters various obstacles and temptations.
(By sheer coincidence, you asked about one of my all-time favorite genres of literature. Hehe. )
