The Narrators' Attitudes Toward Puritans

The Puritans were a religious group that emerged within the Church of England in the late 16th century. They were known for their strict adherence to Calvinist theology, emphasis on personal piety, and desire to purify the church of perceived corruptions. Over time, the Puritans became a significant political and cultural force in England, and their influence extended to the American colonies. However, the attitudes toward Puritans varied among different narrators in literature and historical texts. This essay will explore the diverse attitudes toward Puritans as depicted by various narrators and authors.

Attitudes of Contemporary Narrators

Contemporary narrators often depict the Puritans as rigid, intolerant, and repressive. Authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Arthur Miller have portrayed the Puritans in a negative light in their works, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of their time. In "The Scarlet Letter," Hawthorne presents the Puritans as hypocritical and judgmental, particularly in their treatment of the protagonist, Hester Prynne. The Puritans' strict moral code and harsh punishment of Hester for her adultery reveal their lack of compassion and empathy.

Similarly, in Miller's play "The Crucible," the Puritans are depicted as paranoid and oppressive, particularly in their response to the Salem witch trials. The narrative conveys a sense of fear and irrationality that permeated Puritan society, leading to the unjust persecution of innocent individuals. These contemporary narratives reflect a critical and unsympathetic view of the Puritans, highlighting their flaws and shortcomings.

Historical Perspectives

In contrast to contemporary narratives, some historical perspectives offer a more nuanced understanding of the Puritans. While acknowledging the Puritans' strict religious beliefs and social norms, these perspectives also emphasize their role as pioneers and builders of American society. Historians such as Perry Miller and Edmund S. Morgan have sought to contextualize the Puritans within the broader historical and cultural landscape of early America.

Perry Miller's seminal work, "The New England Mind: The Seventeenth Century," provides a comprehensive analysis of Puritan theology and intellectual life. Miller emphasizes the intellectual rigor and philosophical depth of Puritan thought, challenging the simplistic stereotypes of Puritans as narrow-minded zealots. Similarly, Morgan's "The Puritan Dilemma" explores the complexities of Puritan society, highlighting the tension between individual freedom and communal responsibility.

These historical perspectives offer a more balanced and nuanced view of the Puritans, acknowledging their contributions to American culture and civilization while also critiquing their shortcomings. By examining the Puritans within the context of their time and place, these narratives provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of Puritan society.

Literary Imaginations

Beyond historical and contemporary perspectives, the attitudes toward Puritans are also shaped by literary imaginations. Authors such as Sarah Orne Jewett and Marilynne Robinson have depicted the Puritans with a sense of nostalgia and reverence, highlighting their moral earnestness and spiritual fortitude. In "The Country of the Pointed Firs," Jewett evokes a sense of admiration for the Puritans' resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, portraying them as stoic and noble figures in American history.

Similarly, Robinson's novel "Gilead" offers a poetic and contemplative portrayal of the Puritans, emphasizing their deep religious faith and moral integrity. Through the character of John Ames, Robinson captures the essence of Puritan sensibility, conveying a sense of reverence for their spiritual devotion and ethical rectitude. These literary imaginations offer a more empathetic and humanizing view of the Puritans, inviting readers to appreciate their virtues and values.

Conclusion

The attitudes toward Puritans as depicted by various narrators and authors reflect a complex and multifaceted understanding of this religious group. While contemporary narratives often emphasize the Puritans' flaws and shortcomings, historical perspectives and literary imaginations offer a more nuanced and empathetic view of their contributions to American society. By engaging with diverse narratives and interpretations, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Puritan culture and its enduring significance in American history.