Final answer:
Puritan literature often opened with prayer, emphasizing biblical allusions and the themes of election and calling based on predestination. Puritans valued literacy to ensure everyone could read the Bible, leading to early American printing. Their works reflect a didactic purpose and a conflict with contemporary society on moral grounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Puritan literature, certain elements were consistently evident, reflecting the deep religious conviction and structured society of the Puritans. Firstly, Puritan writings were characterized by the use of prayer or biblical allusions, as they saw all aspects of life through the lens of religious instruction. Moreover, Puritans placed a significant emphasis on the concepts of election and calling. The belief in predestination was central, where a select few were considered 'elect' and predestined for salvation, which was determined by God's grace rather than human actions. This belief dictated their earnest introspection and desire to find signs of being among the chosen in their daily lives.
Another key characteristic was their commitment to literacy, motivated by the need for everyone to read the Bible, leading to the establishment of the first printing press in English America. They published literature such as the Bay Psalm Book, indicative of their focus on scripture and self-study. Consequently, their literature was often didactic, aiming not only to educate but to enforce a moral and pious way of life.
The Puritans also demanded reform in the wider society, which often led to conflict. For instance, they denounced popular pastimes they considered immoral, such as bear-baiting, and they played a significant role in the struggle over the translation of the Bible, endorsing the Geneva Bible over the King James Version. All these elements demonstrate how Puritan beliefs were fervently woven into the fabric of their literature and daily life.