Puritan Plain Style: Early American Literature

Introduction

The Puritan Plain Style, a hallmark of early American literature, epitomizes simplicity and directness in both language and thematic content. Emerging from the Puritan ethos that valued piety, humility, and a focus on God's will, this literary style stands in stark contrast to the ornate and elaborate prose that characterized much of the European literature of the same period. The Puritans, who settled in New England in the early 17th century, sought to strip away what they saw as the excesses of the Anglican Church, and their writing naturally reflected this broader cultural and religious aim. By examining the Puritan Plain Style through its linguistic features, thematic preoccupations, and enduring influence, we can gain a deeper understanding of how this approach to writing not only shaped early American literature but also mirrored the Puritan worldview itself.

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A key feature of the Puritan Plain Style is its linguistic simplicity. Puritan writers favored straightforward language that eschewed elaborate metaphors and rhetorical flourishes. This preference for plainness was grounded in their theological beliefs; they felt that God's word should be accessible to all believers, not just the educated elite. As such, their writings often employed simple sentence structures and a limited vocabulary. For example, in the poetry of Anne Bradstreet, one of the most prominent Puritan writers, we see a clear and unadorned style that focuses on everyday experiences and divine providence. Her poem “To My Dear and Loving Husband” exemplifies this approach with its plain diction and heartfelt sincerity, eschewing the ornamental language that was popular in contemporary English poetry. This linguistic clarity was intended to ensure that the message of the text was easily understood, reflecting the Puritans' desire for a direct and personal relationship with God.

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In addition to its linguistic simplicity, the Puritan Plain Style is characterized by its thematic focus on religion and morality. The Puritans believed that every aspect of life should be lived in accordance with God's will, and this conviction is evident in their literary output. Their writings often grapple with themes of sin, redemption, and divine judgment, seeking to instruct readers in the ways of righteousness. The journals and sermons of figures like John Winthrop and Jonathan Edwards are replete with references to biblical scripture and moral exhortations. Edwards' famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is a quintessential example of this thematic preoccupation. Delivered in a plain and unembellished style, the sermon uses vivid imagery to convey the dire consequences of sin and the necessity of repentance. This focus on religious themes was not merely a literary choice but a reflection of the Puritans' view of the world as a battleground between good and evil, where every action had eternal significance.

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The Puritan Plain Style's emphasis on simplicity and moral instruction has had a lasting impact on American literature and thought. While the strict religious context of Puritanism has faded, the preference for clear, direct communication has persisted. This influence can be seen in the works of later American writers like Benjamin Franklin and even in the modern emphasis on plain language in legal and governmental documents. Franklin’s “Autobiography,” for instance, adopts a straightforward and unpretentious style that echoes the Puritan Plain Style, focusing on practical wisdom and self-improvement. Furthermore, the moral earnestness of the Puritans can be traced through American literary history, from the transcendentalists' focus on individual conscience to the social critiques of writers like Harriet Beecher Stowe and John Steinbeck. Thus, while the Puritan Plain Style may seem austere and outdated to contemporary readers, its core principles of clarity, simplicity, and moral seriousness continue to resonate in American culture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Puritan Plain Style is a distinctive and influential approach to writing that reflects the core values of early American Puritans. Its linguistic simplicity and thematic focus on religion and morality were not merely stylistic choices but were deeply rooted in the Puritan worldview. By stripping away the ornate and the superfluous, Puritan writers sought to make their messages clear and accessible, in keeping with their belief in the importance of a direct and personal relationship with God. The enduring influence of this style is evident in the continued American preference for plain and direct communication, as well as in the moral earnestness that characterizes much of American literature. The Puritan Plain Style, therefore, offers a window into the spiritual and cultural life of the early American settlers and continues to shape American literary and cultural norms to this day.