Two Minds, One Lifestyle In life, everyone needs a little motivation for them to keep going, or to know what to do next. For the Puritans, God was that motivation. Two Puritans, Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards, both lived their lives devoted to God, but at the same time, they differed in lifestyles, especially through their writing. Analyzing Anne Bradstreet's poems, “To my Dear and Loving Husband” and “Upon the Burning of Our House”, and Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, readers can understand that there are many differences, but also many similarities in the two’s religious views and use of literary devices. The religious views of Bradstreet and Edwards are somewhat similar, but also differ in many ways.
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For example, both writers use an ample amount of biblical allusions. In Bradstreet’s works, she talks about “all’s vanity” (line 36), which is a reference to the Bible, meaning that all is temporary or meaningless. Also, she mentions “dust” (lines 15 and 39) in her poems, which is a reference to the Book of Genesis. In Edwards’ case, he touches upon many biblical allusions as well. The most obvious reason is because he is a minister, and his sermons are all about God and religion in general! For example, when Edwards says, “For who knows the power of God’s anger?” (129), he is regarding to the book of Psalm in the Bible. Even when both Bradstreet and Edwards state “Him” in their works, they are simply referring to God himself, which is definitely a biblical allusion. To contrast, Bradstreet is more of an entertaining writer, while Edwards uses an abundance of persuasion throughout his work. For instance, Bradstreet uses more of a personal style of writing, which makes it a little more entertaining for readers. In addition, she presents the use of rhyming in her work, which also makes it a bit more fun to read. On the contrary, Edwards uses different forms of persuasion in his writing, such as emotional appeals, logical appeals, or even imagery. A good example of persuasion is when Edwards declares that, “You did not go to hell the last night” (127). In other words, Edwards is using fear and doubt
For example, both writers use an ample amount of biblical allusions. In Bradstreet’s works, she talks about “all’s vanity” (line 36), which is a reference to the Bible, meaning that all is temporary or meaningless. Also, she mentions “dust” (lines 15 and 39) in her poems, which is a reference to the Book of Genesis. In Edwards’ case, he touches upon many biblical allusions as well. The most obvious reason is because he is a minister, and his sermons are all about God and religion in general! For example, when Edwards says, “For who knows the power of God’s anger?” (129), he is regarding to the book of Psalm in the Bible. Even when both Bradstreet and Edwards state “Him” in their works, they are simply referring to God himself, which is definitely a biblical allusion. To contrast, Bradstreet is more of an entertaining writer, while Edwards uses an abundance of persuasion throughout his work. For instance, Bradstreet uses more of a personal style of writing, which makes it a little more entertaining for readers. In addition, she presents the use of rhyming in her work, which also makes it a bit more fun to read. On the contrary, Edwards uses different forms of persuasion in his writing, such as emotional appeals, logical appeals, or even imagery. A good example of persuasion is when Edwards declares that, “You did not go to hell the last night” (127). In other words, Edwards is using fear and doubt