The Puritan Family: A Social Study from the Literary Sources

This 1969 study explores the religious and ethical community in Puritan England, referencing literary works and conduct books to illustrate the Puritan way of thinking and their relationship with the social class system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1969, this study delves into the religious and ethical community that exerted a profound impact on the spiritual development of the Anglo-American world, specifically focusing on the family in Puritan England. The book makes extensive reference to the remarkable literary works of the period and to the Puritan "conduct-books," thereby illustrating the Puritan way of thinking and attitude toward life and revealing the intricate relationship between the development of literary taste and the social class system.

The study begins by examining the historical context of Puritan England, highlighting the social and political turmoil that characterized the period. It explores the religious beliefs and practices of the Puritans, emphasizing their emphasis on personal salvation and the rejection of traditional religious institutions. The author also discusses the role of the family in Puritan society, highlighting its significance as a unit of social and spiritual formation.

The book makes extensive use of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and sermons, to provide a firsthand account of the lives and experiences of Puritans. These sources offer a rich insight into the social, cultural, and religious practices of the period, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the Puritan way of life.

One of the key themes of the study is the relationship between literature and religion in Puritan England. The author argues that literature played a crucial role in shaping the Puritan way of thinking and attitude toward life. The Puritans were deeply committed to the idea of using literature as a tool for spiritual growth and moral education. They believed that literature could be used to teach people about God, the nature of sin, and the importance of repentance and redemption.

The study also explores the role of women in Puritan society. The Puritans were known for their strict gender roles, with women expected to fulfill their roles as wives and mothers while men held positions of power and influence. However, the study shows that women played an active role in shaping Puritan culture and society, particularly through their contributions to literature and the arts.

Another important theme of the study is the relationship between the development of literary taste and the social class system in Puritan England. The author argues that the Puritans were deeply concerned with social hierarchy. They believed that literature could be used to promote social and moral reform and to challenge the dominant social hierarchies of the time. The study shows that the Puritans were particularly interested in the works of Shakespeare and other English playwrights.

The study concludes by examining the legacy of Puritanism in the Anglo-American world. The author argues that Puritanism's emphasis on personal salvation, moral rigor, and social reform has had a lasting impact on American culture and society. The Puritan way of thinking and attitude toward life, particularly its emphasis on the importance of individual responsibility and the rejection of traditional religious institutions, has influenced the development of American democracy, capitalism, and the pursuit of individual freedom and self-expression.

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the religious and ethical community that had an immense influence on the spiritual development of the Anglo-American world, specifically focusing on the family in Puritan England. The book makes extensive reference to the outstanding literary works of the period and to the Puritan "conduct-books," thereby illustrating the Puritan way of thinking and attitude toward life and showing the relationship between the development of literary taste and the social class system. The study offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted world of Puritanism, providing valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and religious practices of the period.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367628994