Puritan Age in English Literature: Origin of Puritan Movement, Features & Major Writers

 

INTRODUCTION:

The Puritan Age in English literature is a period that spans from the late 16th century to the mid-17th century (roughly 1580 to 1660), during which the Puritan movement gained prominence in England. This movement was a reaction against the materialism, romanticism and individualism of Renaissance. It was a time of great political and religious disorder, and this was reflected in the literature of the period. The Puritan Age is characterized by a focus on religion, morality

ORIGIN OF PURITAN MOVEMENT:

The Puritan movement arose in England in the late 16th century as a reaction against the perceived corruption of the Church of England. Puritans believed in a strict interpretation of the Bible and wanted to purify the church of that time. This movement gained significant influence during the reign of Elizabeth I and continued to grow during the reign of James I.

THREE MASTERS OF PURITAN AGE:

Many Puritan writers used literature as a means to convey religious messages and to encourage moral behavior. The most prominent writers of the period were John Milton, John Bunyan, and George Herbert.

1.  Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost" is perhaps the most significant work of the Puritan Age. The poem retells the story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. It explores themes of free will, obedience to God, and the nature of evil. Milton's work is a reflection of the Puritan belief in the importance of individual ethics and the need for self-discipline.

2.  John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" is another significant work of the Puritan Age. The allegorical novel tells the story of Christian, who journeys from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. It is a moral tale that emphasizes the importance of faith, determination, and salvation. Bunyan's work was immensely popular and has been translated into over 200 languages.

3.   George Herbert was an Anglican priest and poet who was influenced by Puritan ideas and values. His most famous work, "The Temple," is a collection of poems that explore religious themes and spiritual devotion.

FEATURES OF PURITAN ENGLISH LITERATURE:

1.   Religious and Moral Concerns: The literature of the Puritan Age was dominated by religious and moral concerns. Puritan writers believed that literature should convey religious messages and encourage moral behavior. For example, John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost" is an exploration of the Christian doctrine of the fall of man, and it aims to encourage readers to resist temptation and live a moral life.

2.   Plain Style: Puritan writers favored a plain, direct, and unadorned style of writing. They rejected the ornate, flowery language of the Renaissance and instead aimed for clarity and simplicity. For example, the Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet's poetry is characterized by its plain style and its focus on everyday experiences and concerns.

3.   Allegory: Allegory was a popular form of literature during the Puritan Age. Puritan writers often used allegory to convey moral and religious messages. John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" is a classic example of this type of literature, in which the protagonist Christian's journey to the Celestial City represents the journey of the Christian soul towards salvation.

4.   Theological Treatises: Puritan writers produced many theological treatises during this period. These works were intended to explain and defend the Puritan doctrine and to refute opposing views. For example, Richard Baxter's "The Reformed Pastor" is a treatise that tries to guide ministers in the practice of their vocation and encourage them to live a life of Christian piety.

5.   Political Commentary: The Puritan Age was a time of significant political upheaval, and many writers used their work to comment on the political situation. They criticized the excesses of the monarchy and argued for greater political and religious freedom. John Milton's political tracts, such as "The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates," are examples of this type of literature.

6.   Focus on Spiritualism: Puritan writers emphasized the importance of spiritual life. They believed that spiritual life was essential for salvation, and they often wrote about their own spiritual journeys. For example, the Puritan preacher and writer John Bunyan's spiritual autobiography "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" is an account of his own struggle with doubt and despair before coming to faith.

7.   Emphasis on Education: The Puritans placed a high value on education, and this was reflected in their literature. Many Puritan writers were well-educated, and they believed that education was essential for moral and religious development. For example, John Milton's "Areopagitica" is a defense of freedom of the press that argues that access to knowledge and information is essential for intellectual and spiritual growth.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, the Puritan Age in English literature was a time of great religious and political upheaval. The literature of the period was dominated by religious and moral concerns, and it reflected the Puritan belief. The works of Milton, Bunyan, and Herbert remain influential to this day and continue to be studied and appreciated for their spiritual, religious, allegorical works.

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