Writers of the Puritan Period: Significance, Major Authors, and Literary Contributions
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The Puritan period (late 16th century to 17th century) is an important period of English literature, in which the deep influence of religious ideology, moral values and spiritual thinking is visible.
The writers of this era composed literature focusing on themes like Christianity, social reform, moral discipline and the purpose of human life. In their writings, there is a clear depiction of devotion to God, self-control, the concept of sin and virtue and spiritual struggle.
The study of Puritan writers is necessary in the study of English literature at the university level because their contributions gave a new direction to English poetry, religious prose and moral literature and also influenced subsequent literary movements.
Writers of the Puritan period (late 16th century to 17th century): their importance and contributions
The Puritan period is an important era in English literature. This period was deeply connected with religious, social and moral ideas. The writers of this time were influenced by Puritan ideology. Puritans had deep faith in God. They gave importance to simple life, strict morality and self-control. Religion, morality and purity of soul were the main themes in his literature.
The purpose of the Puritan movement was to morally reform the church and society. This movement had a deep impact on literature. The writers did not consider literature merely as a means of entertainment. They made it a medium of moral education and religious preaching. Therefore the literature of this period is serious, thoughtful and idealistic.
John Milton is considered to be the greatest writer of the Puritan period. He was the main poet of this era. His famous work “Paradise Los”t is an epic. It tells the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. The relationship between God, Satan and humans is depicted in this poem. Milton gave prominence to free will, moral conflict, and the greatness of God. His language is serious and impressive. He gave a high moral standard to literature.
John Milton's other works “Paradise Regained” and “Samson Agonistes”are also important. Self-control, sacrifice and religious faith are shown in these works. Milton's contribution is also important because he gave great poetic form to Puritan ideas.
Another prominent writer of this period was John Bunyan. He was a religious writer. His most famous work is “The Pilgrim's Progress”. This is a religious allegory. It depicts the spiritual journey of an ordinary person. This journey is about freedom from sin and reaching God. This book is written in simple language. Therefore it became very popular among the common people. Bunyan presented religious ideas in the form of fiction.
George Herbert was also an important poet of this period. His poems are full of religious sentiment. Love for God and pain of the soul are visible in his works. His language is simple and emotional. He made personal experiences the basis of poetry.
There were also writers like Richard Baxter in the Puritan period. He was a religious preacher and writer. His works are related to moral education. He inspired the society to follow the right path. His writings emphasize discipline and honesty.
The writers of this era also enriched prose writing. Religious essays, biographies and didactic writings were written extensively during this time. The objective of these works was to build the character of the readers. Literature was considered a means of improving life.
The greatest contribution of Puritan writers is that they linked literature with moral purpose. They used simple language. They presented deep thoughts in a simple manner. The literature of this period later gave seriousness and thoughtfulness to English literature.
In the end it can be said that the writers of the Puritan period gave a new direction to English literature. They threw light on religion, morality and the purpose of human life. Their literature is valuable even today.
Writers of the Puritan period: Some important questions and answers
Question 1. What is called Puritan period?
Answer: The Puritan period is the period from the end of the 16th century to the 17th century. During this period, literature was deeply influenced by religious, moral and spiritual ideas. The writer laid emphasis on devotion to God and moral life.
Question 2. What were the main characteristics of Puritan writers?
Answer: The main characteristics of Puritan writers are religious sentiment, morality, plain language, self-control and serious thought. His literature was didactic and objective.
Question 3. What is the importance of John Milton in Puritan literature?
Answer: John Milton was the greatest writer of the Puritan period. His work Paradise Lost depicts religious faith, moral conflict and free will. He gave high poetic form to Puritan ideas.
Question 4. What is the main theme of Paradise Lost?
Answer: The main themes of Paradise Lost are the fall of man, sin and the greatness of God. In this, moral education is given through the story of Adam and Eve.
Question 5. Who was John Bunyan and what is his main work?
Answer: John Bunyan was a prominent Puritan writer. His famous work is The Pilgrim's Progress. It is a religious allegory, depicting the soul's journey to God.
Question 6. What is the specialty of George Herbert's poetry?
Answer: George Herbert's poems are religious and emotional. Love for God and pain of the soul are visible in his works. His language is simple and effective.
Question 7. What is the importance of prose in Puritan literature?
Answer: Prose has special importance in Puritan literature. Religious essays, sermons and autobiographies were written during this period. Their objective was to build the character of the readers.
Question 8. What is the contribution of Puritan writers to English literature?
Answer: Puritan writers gave moral and religious purpose to literature. He presented serious topics in simple language. His literature provided depth and thoughtfulness to English literature.
Question 9. Why is Puritan literature called didactic?
Answer: Puritan literature is called moralistic. For the purpose of this literature was to teach readers to live a moral life. Religious messages are also noticed in this literature.
Question 10. Why is it necessary to study Puritan writers at the university level?
Answer: Study of Puritan writers is necessary at the university level because it helps in understanding the relationship between literature and society. It clarifies morality, religion and the purpose of human life.
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