The Divergent Styles of Puritan Authors: Bradford and Edwards

Introduction

The era of the Puritans in American Literature is marked by the contributions of many great authors, two of whom continue to be studied extensively—William Bradford and Reverend Jonathan Edwards. While both lived during the same time period, they adopted distinct styles of writing. Bradford, focusing on historical narratives, embraced the 'plain style,' characterized by simplicity and directness. In contrast, Edwards, a compelling speaker and preacher, utilized a more elaborate and metaphorical style. This essay explores the contrasting writing styles of Bradford and Edwards within the context of Puritan literature.

William Bradford: The Champion of the 'Plain Style'

William Bradford, a significant figure in Puritan literature, adhered to the 'plain style' in his writings. This approach, favored by many Puritan authors, was characterized by its simplicity, directness, and lack of figurative language or imagery. Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation" exemplifies this style, as evidenced in the passage describing the Puritans' first winter, "They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty.

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The 'plain style' was a deliberate choice to maintain clarity and straightforwardness in conveying narratives and ideas. Bradford's words reflected the Puritan society's preference for ordinary and unadorned language. While this style may seem monotonous by modern standards, it effectively communicated the Puritan values and experiences to its audience.

Bradford's use of the 'plain style' also extended to his depiction of ordinary life and praise.

His writing aimed to capture the essence of daily existence without embellishments. An example of this is evident in his straightforward portrayal of the harvest and the preparation for winter, emphasizing the practical aspects of the Puritans' lives. This simplicity aligned with the Puritan worldview, where directness and humility were highly valued.

Reverend Jonathan Edwards: The Orator of Fear and Metaphor

Reverend Jonathan Edwards, in contrast to Bradford, employed a dramatically different writing style, marked by its use of figures of speech and vivid metaphors. Edwards's sermons, particularly "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," displayed a rhetorical flair that departed from the typical 'plain style.' He utilized metaphors such as, "The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked."

Edwards's creative and metaphorical language aimed to evoke a powerful emotional response, especially fear, in his audience. For instance, he continued his metaphor by stating, "O sinner! Consider the fearful danger you are in: It is a great furnace of wrath, a wide and bottomless pit, full of the fire of wrath, that you are held over in the hand of that God." This distinctive style served Edwards well in conveying the severity of sin and attempting to bring about a profound spiritual awakening among his listeners.

Edwards's use of metaphor extended beyond fear-inducing scenarios; it also permeated his descriptions of the spiritual realm. His metaphorical language created vivid imagery that sought to convey complex theological concepts to his congregation. By likening God's anger to holding a loathsome insect over the fire, Edwards brought an emotional intensity to his sermons, leaving a lasting impact on his audience.

Comparison and Conclusion

Living in the same historical period, William Bradford and Jonathan Edwards embodied opposing styles in their writings. Bradford adhered to the conventional 'plain style,' employing simplicity and directness to narrate historical events. On the other hand, Edwards embraced a more controversial approach, infusing his sermons with fear-inducing metaphors and figurative language to underscore the gravity of sin.

Despite their stylistic differences, both authors were successful in communicating their intended messages. Bradford's 'plain style' catered to the Puritan preference for simplicity, while Edwards's fervent and metaphorical orations stirred powerful emotions, albeit occasionally leading to disputes within his parish. These contrasting styles not only reflect the diversity within Puritan literature but also demonstrate the effectiveness of different approaches in conveying religious and historical narratives.

Furthermore, the stylistic choices of Bradford and Edwards were rooted in their distinct perspectives on the Puritan way of life. Bradford's 'plain style' mirrored the practical and humble nature of Puritan existence, emphasizing the straightforward pursuit of their beliefs and the documentation of their historical journey. In contrast, Edwards, with his elaborate metaphors, delved into the emotional and spiritual dimensions, seeking to provoke a profound response from his listeners and convey the urgency of religious awakening.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the divergent styles of Bradford and Edwards offer valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of Puritan literature. Their writings not only capture the essence of Puritan values but also showcase how individual authors approached the task of communicating complex ideas to their respective audiences. The 'plain style' and the metaphorical approach each played a pivotal role in shaping the literary landscape of the Puritan era, leaving a lasting legacy in American literature.