Puritans wrote in what is called Puritan Plain Style. This is a simple, direct style of
writing characterized by the use of short, easily understood words common to 17th
century conversation.
Puritan language is characterized by the use of:
--Archaic language: language that is now considered outdated or
old-fashioned
--Inverted syntax: reversal of normal sentence structure
Most Puritan poetry is considered to be lyric poetry; it expresses the observations and
feelings of a single person.
Puritan poetry follows a strict pattern of meter called pentameter.
--Iamb: a set of unstressed and stressed syllables
--Iambic Pentameter: 5 sets of iambs (unstressed/stressed syllables) in
a line of poetry (10 syllables total per line)
The Puritans believed in establishing a "City Upon a Hill," a model community by which
all others could look to as the perfect example of how a colony should live with God as
the center of everything, including the government (theocracy).
They believed in predestination, the belief that God has knowledge of/decided who
would go to Heaven and who would go to Hell at the beginning of creation. God is in
control of everything.
Sermon: a speech given from a pulpit in a house of worship
Oratory: formal public speaking
-persuasive and inspires others to take action
-emotionally appealing
-addresses needs and concerns of the audience
-uses colorful or rhythmic language