Puritan Value Essay
American Literature
MWenger
Consider the list of values below as well as the pieces of literature discussed in class to
compose the following essay.
Prompt: After discussing Puritan theology and analyzing many literary pieces identify
values that are prioritized by the early Pilgrims. Be sure to provide quotes from the
literature to support your discussion.
Values:
Acceptance ( approval from others)
Beauty
Independence
Creativity
Honesty
Knowledge
Loyalty
Physical Appearance
Power
Religious Faith
Skill
Industriousness
Simplicity
Achievement
Altruism
Companionship
Health
Justice
Love
Morality
Pleasure
Recognition
Self-respect
Wealth
Self-reliance
Temperance
** These values are general and can be modified if you so choose. If you think of
value not on this list, please let me know…it may be appropriate.
Literary Works:
William Bradford “..Of Plymouth Plantation”
Edward Taylor “Upon a Spider Catching a Fly”
“God’s Determination Touching His Elect”
Anne Bradstreet “Upon the Burning of My House”
Jonathan Edwards “ Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”
Important considerations:
*be sure to mention the author and title in your discussion when you reference the
work and integrate the quotes as support
*use MLA formatting for documentation…..
“(author’s last name page #).
* eliminate the use of personal pronouns (you, I , we, us, etc) This is going to be
sticking point this year.
*employ the 5 paragraph essay…topic sentences, clincher/transition sentences,
thesis statement, etc.