Puritanism and the Colonial Era: Explore the Impact on American Literature

Question 1

Which of the following was a key principle of Puritan theology?

Accepted Answer

Predestination

Answer

The rejection of organized religion

Answer

Free will

Answer

The importance of human reason

Question 2

Who was a prominent Puritan minister and theologian whose sermon, 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' explored the nature of divine punishment?

Accepted Answer

Jonathan Edwards

Answer

Mary Rowlandson

Answer

Anne Bradstreet

Answer

William Bradford

Question 3

What was a primary purpose of Anne Bradstreet's poetry?

Accepted Answer

To express her personal experiences and reflect on her faith

Answer

To promote Puritan ideals

Answer

To criticize the colonial government

Answer

To entertain readers with tales of adventure

Question 4

Which of the following is a characteristic of Puritan literature?

Accepted Answer

Use of allegory and symbolism

Answer

Exploration of romantic themes

Answer

Focus on humor and satire

Answer

Celebration of individual expression

Question 5

Which major theme did Jonathan Edwards explore in his sermon, 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God'?

Accepted Answer

The inevitability of divine punishment for sin

Answer

The importance of human reason

Answer

The value of religious experience

Answer

The nature of salvation

Question 6

How did Puritan values contribute to the development of American society?

Accepted Answer

Emphasized hard work, education, and self-reliance

Answer

Led to a decline in superstition and belief in the supernatural

Answer

Encouraged a spirit of exploration and adventure

Answer

Promoted religious tolerance and diversity

Question 7

In Puritan theology, what does the concept of 'election' refer to?

Accepted Answer

God's predetermined choice of certain individuals for salvation.

Answer

A period of personal reflection and spiritual growth.

Answer

The act of publicly declaring one's faith in God.

Answer

The process of choosing community leaders through democratic voting.

Question 8

Anne Bradstreet's poetry often explores the tension between:

Accepted Answer

Her earthly responsibilities and her spiritual aspirations.

Answer

The pursuit of wealth and the importance of charity.

Answer

Scientific inquiry and religious dogma.

Answer

Puritan beliefs and Native American spirituality.

Question 9

What is the primary aim of Jonathan Edwards' sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"?

Accepted Answer

To evoke fear and encourage repentance in his listeners.

Answer

To promote social reform and political activism.

Answer

To advocate for tolerance and understanding between different faiths.

Answer

To celebrate the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Question 10

Which literary device is most frequently used in Puritan writing?

Accepted Answer

Biblical allusions and typology.

Answer

Fantastical elements and magical realism.

Answer

Complex rhyme schemes and intricate meter.

Answer

Humorous satire and irony.

Question 11

How did the Salem Witch Trials impact Puritan communities?

Accepted Answer

They sowed distrust and suspicion among neighbors, fracturing the social fabric.

Answer

They fostered unity and solidarity against external threats.

Answer

They led to the immediate abandonment of Puritan beliefs.

Answer

They had little impact on the social structure of the communities.

Question 12

What was the Puritan attitude towards education?

Accepted Answer

They emphasized literacy for the purpose of interpreting the Bible.

Answer

They prioritized classical literature and philosophy over religious texts.

Answer

They discouraged formal education for women.

Answer

They believed education was unnecessary for everyday life.

Question 13

What is meant by the term 'plain style' in Puritan writing?

Accepted Answer

Clear, direct language focused on conveying meaning without unnecessary embellishment.

Answer

Writing that emphasizes emotional expression over clarity.

Answer

The use of humor and satire to critique societal norms.

Answer

Ornate prose filled with elaborate metaphors and imagery.

Question 14

Which of the following is a lasting legacy of Puritanism on American culture?

Accepted Answer

A strong work ethic and emphasis on self-reliance.

Answer

Tolerance for diverse religious beliefs and practices.

Answer

A relaxed attitude towards social rules and moral codes.

Answer

A preference for ornate architecture and elaborate art.

Question 15

In Anne Bradstreet's poetry, what is the primary tension she explores?

Accepted Answer

The conflict between her love for her family and her religious devotion.

Answer

The struggle between Puritanism and Native American culture.

Answer

The desire for social reform and the limitations of colonial society.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the dominant literary style employed by Jonathan Edwards in his sermons?

Accepted Answer

Fiery, emotional, and intensely persuasive.

Answer

Formal, academic, and rooted in classical rhetoric.

Answer

Simple, direct, and focused on practical advice.

Answer

Humorous, satirical, and critical of societal norms.

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of Jonathan Edwards's sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"?

Accepted Answer

To evoke fear of divine judgment and inspire repentance.

Answer

To critique social injustice in colonial society.

Answer

To explain the intricacies of Puritan theology.

Question 18

How does Anne Bradstreet's poem "Upon the Burning of Our House" illustrate the influence of Puritan beliefs?

Accepted Answer

She accepts the loss of her possessions as God's will and finds solace in her faith.

Answer

She expresses anger and resentment towards God for the tragedy.

Answer

She laments the material losses and emphasizes the fragility of life.

Question 19

What role did the concept of predestination play in Puritan worldview and literature?

Accepted Answer

It shaped their understanding of salvation, human agency, and the importance of moral conduct.

Answer

It fostered a sense of individualism and self-reliance.

Answer

It encouraged social reform and challenged the established hierarchy.

Question 20

Which of the following statements best reflects the Puritan emphasis on plain style in writing?

Accepted Answer

They valued clear, direct language that focused on religious and moral themes.

Answer

They prioritized poetic imagery and emotional intensity.

Answer

They embraced elaborate metaphors and complex sentence structures.

Question 21

How does Jonathan Edwards's sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" exemplify the Puritan concept of the Great Awakening?

Accepted Answer

It uses emotional appeals and vivid imagery to stir religious fervor and awaken spiritual consciousness.

Answer

It promotes intellectual inquiry and rational discourse about faith.

Question 22

What is the significance of the concept of covenant theology in the development of Puritan society?

Accepted Answer

It established a framework for social order and religious governance based on a contract between God and his people.

Answer

It promoted individual freedom and autonomy within the community.

Question 23

Which of the following themes is NOT characteristic of both Anne Bradstreet's and Jonathan Edwards's writings?

Accepted Answer

The pursuit of individual happiness and self-fulfillment.

Answer

The fear of divine judgment and the consequences of sin.

Answer

The importance of obedience and submission to God's will.

Question 24

How does Anne Bradstreet's poetry challenge conventional expectations of women's roles in Puritan society?

Accepted Answer

She expresses her personal feelings and experiences, which often deviated from prescribed norms of female behavior.

Answer

She actively advocates for social reform and greater rights for women.