Question

Now that you have finished reading the works in this unit, consider the ideals, values, and themes that early American writers considered to be important and worthy of inclusion in their journals, sermons, and poems. What are these ideals and values? Why were they important? How do different writers incorporate them into their works? Did certain values or ideals seem to become more or less important over time? If so, why? Cite specific examples from the writings of Bradford, Winthrop, Bradstreet, and Edwards in your response.

Answer 1

American Writers revolved their life and work around God. They had so much respect for God and wanted the people to respect and adore God as they did. Over time? As of today, in my opinion, people still have a respect for God but not many people adore him like the American Writers did. Why? People have grown to become a lot more uncertain about things they once believed. Which is totally okay because any normal person will question life as they have the rights to do so. In 'A Model of Christian Charity' by John Winthrop, Winthrop writes about how important it is to include God in their lives. In 'Sinners in the Hands of God' by Jonathan Edwards, Edwards writes about how you would be punished by God if you sinned against him and/or didn't believe in him.