By Matthew Cox
The Cycle of Faith: Religious Expressions from Two Puritan Writers
A cycle is a literary term used to describe a collection of works about a common theme such as the Odyssey or King Arthur (Stevenson, p. 153-155). They were common in the Middle Ages as actors’ guilds used Mystery plays to teach Bible stories. Common themes included the Christian concepts of salvation and redemption. Each play in cycle was done by people from different jobs in York. For example the plasterers did stories in salvation and mercers (textile dealers) did ones on redemption. Works with a common theme done by different authors were common in other literary periods as well. For example, the Puritans in the 1500’s and 1600’s often times expressed their devotion to God in writings.
Perhaps the most well known Puritan literary work was John Milton’s blank verse epic, “Paradise Lost” (164). It was an epic poem written by Milton in 1667 after he had gone blind. It tells the story of Satan being cast out of Heaven after he tempted Adam and Eve into eating the Forbidden Fruit (PARADISE LOST ~ A BRIEF OVERVIEW). This was Milton’s way to “justify the ways of God to men.” The main storyline was centered around the Book of Genesis in the Bible.
Milton includes a summary of Genesis in the last two books of the poem to illustrate not only man’s fall, but the consequences on the world for good or bad. The sentiments expressed reflect the Puritan notion of redemption and salvation. On one hand, God punishes sinners. However, he also uses hardships in life to strengthen our faith. Critics have claimed that this lengthy section was anticlimactic. However, most literary scholars agreed that it was an important part of the story to illustrate the themes of salvation and redemption. Another common insight is that Milton glorified Satan as a hero as he is the central character. Nevertheless, most literature experts agree that Paradise Lost is one of the greatest epic poems in the English language. Four years later, Milton wrote “Paradise Regained.” This shorter writing was more contemplative and had less action. It focused on the Devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness. Paradise regained also focused on redemption and salvation.
In the 1700’s as the Puritans made their way to the shores of North America, they brought their faith with them (Cowell). Anne Bradstreet was the first female poet in Colonial America. Her work covered many genera’s including love poems, religions contemplations, and the like. Faith was a common theme in her work as it was other Puritans such as John Milton. In this cycle of works, Anne used the theme of redemption and salvation in her poem “Upon The Burning Of Our House, July 10th, 1666.” Stanzas 12-16 appeared to thank God for rescuing her family from their burning house. Also, Anne seemed to have written it as a confession for writing love poems to her husband. Although it may not seem like a big issue, Puritan couples were not allowed to put romantic love over Christian faith.
midst of her house burning: And when I could no longer look I blest His name that gave and took, That laid my goods now in the dust. Yea, so it was, and so ‘twas just. It was His own, it was not mine, Far be it that I should repine;
Stanzas 31-36 expressed how God uses pain and suffering to help people become better Christians. When bad things happened to people, they learned how to depend on Faith. Loss of material possessions was not important in God’s plan of salvation. Living simply has helped us to focus on the Christian message.
No pleasant tale shall e’er be told, Nor things recounted done of old. No candle e’er shall shine in thee, Nor bridegroom’s voice e’er heard shall be. In silence ever shall thou lie, Adieu, Adieu, all’s vanity. If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me ye women if you can
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Cycles are loose generas of writings in which authors covered a common theme. Medieval writers used religious themes including salvation and redemption in plays to teach the Christian message. During the Protestant Reformation in the 1500’s and 1600’s, many Christians broke with the Papist Church. However, they kept Christian teachings in all aspects of life. Such sentiments were expressed through the works of poets including John Milton and Anne Bradstreet. Milton depicted how Satan was cast out of Heaven as a way of showing people the value of redemption and salvation in “Paradise Lost.” Anne Bradstreet also showed similar ideas in “Upon The Burning Of Our House, July 10th, 1666.” However, she used a real life experience to express her attitudes of redemption and salvation.
Works Cited:
1. "Analysis of Upon the Burning of Our House by Anne Bradstreet." 123HelpMe.com.
29 Jan 2008
Cycles are loose generas of writings in which authors covered a common theme. Medieval writers used religious themes including salvation and redemption in plays to teach the Christian message. During the Protestant Reformation in the 1500’s and 1600’s, many Christians broke with the Papist Church. However, they kept Christian teachings in all aspects of life. Such sentiments were expressed through the works of poets including John Milton and Anne Bradstreet. Milton depicted how Satan was cast out of Heaven as a way of showing people the value of redemption and salvation in “Paradise Lost.” Anne Bradstreet also showed similar ideas in “Upon The Burning Of Our House, July 10th, 1666.” However, she used a real life experience to express her attitudes of redemption and salvation.
Works Cited:
1. "Analysis of Upon the Burning of Our House by Anne Bradstreet." 123HelpMe.com.
29 Jan 2008
