The past few literature pieces we have read have actually been enjoyable to read. I find them not as boring as some of the other things we had to read over the summer and I think these two are easier to relate to. "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards and The Crucible by Arthur Miller were both interesting reads. Both pieces of writing addressed the beliefs of the Puritans but in completely different ways. Their approach to the subject differed, but they were both still effective. By reading "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", we are able to compare and see the relationship of those themes to the characters and events in The Crucible.
One of the main themes of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards is about how you are a sinner and need forgiveness from an angry God. He goes into great detail about how we are basically dangling above the pit of hell in God's hands unless we confess to the Lord for our wrong doings. He understands the punishment for our sins and how we can only be saved if we confess. This is a similar theme in The Crucible. The plot spends a great deal of the time in court. Here, many accused townspeople, almost all who are innocent, come to be tried. The reality of this is that they are given two options, to confess or be hanged. It is either this or be put in jail. An example of this would be at the end of the book when John Proctor is brought forth from jail for the opportunity to confess. At first, John is silent and unsure of himself and the right decision, but after talking to his wife Elizabeth, she assures him that he must do what he must to live, but that the decision was ultimately up to him. She refused to judge him. In the end, he signed his confession, but then ripped it up and chose death over having his name ruined. (Miller, 144)
In a way, this event is similar to what Jonathan Edwards is talking about. In order to have your sins forgiven and escape the flames of hell, you must confess. You cannot accept forgiveness though by lying about your confession. This is what John was doing. In a modern day setting, it would be like asking God to forgive you for doing a certain sin, but going on and doing it anyways. Your heart is not in it. John's heart was not in his confession and the judge could sense that. Once you confess, God's mercy and love is just poured over you. In Edward's writing he talks about rejoicing in the hope and glory of God. (Edwards, 99) In The Crucible John would be rewarded with his life. Although I do not agree with the trial of Proctor, it can kind of give you an idea of what Edwards is talking about.
Overall I really enjoyed both writings. I think both authors did a good job in displaying their beliefs. They were both very effective. The writings complimented each other well and I think reading both can help you understand the context that much more.
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible: A Play in Four Acts. Harmondsworth, Eng.: Penguin, 1976. Print.
Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., Douglas Fisher, Kathleen A. Hinchman, David G. O'Brien, Taffy Raphael, and Cynthia Hynd. Shanahan. Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print.
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