IndexAttitudes of Contemporary NarratorsHistorical PerspectivesLiterary ImaginationsConclusionThe Puritans were a religious group that emerged within the Church of England in the late 16th century. They were known for their strict adherence to Calvinist theology, emphasis on personal piety, and desire to cleanse the church of perceived corruptions. Over time, the Puritans became a significant political and cultural force in England, and their influence extended to the American colonies. However, attitudes toward the Puritans varied among different narrators in literature and historical texts. This essay will explore the different attitudes towards the Puritans described by various narrators and authors. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Attitudes of Contemporary Narrators Contemporary narrators often describe Puritans as rigid, intolerant, and repressive. Authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne and Arthur Miller portrayed Puritans in a negative light in their works, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of their time. In “The Scarlet Letter,” Hawthorne presents the Puritans as hypocritical and judgmental, particularly in their treatment of the protagonist, Hester Prynne. The Puritans' strict moral code and Hester's harsh punishment for her adultery reveal their lack of compassion and empathy. Similarly, in Miller's play "The Crucible", the Puritans are depicted as paranoid and oppressive, particularly in their response to the Salem witch trials. . The narrative conveys a sense of fear and irrationality that permeated Puritan society, leading to the unjust persecution of innocent individuals. These contemporary narratives reflect a critical and indifferent view of the Puritans, highlighting their flaws and shortcomings. Historical Perspectives In contrast to contemporary narratives, some historical perspectives offer a more nuanced understanding of the Puritans. While acknowledging the Puritans' strict religious beliefs and social norms, these perspectives also highlight their role as pioneers and builders of American society. Historians such as Perry Miller and Edmund S. Morgan have sought to contextualize the Puritans within the broader historical and cultural landscape of early America. Perry Miller's seminal work, "The New England Mind: The Seventeenth Century," provides a comprehensive analysis of Puritan theology and intellectual life. Miller emphasizes the intellectual rigor and philosophical depth of Puritan thought, challenging simplistic stereotypes of Puritans as narrow-minded fanatics. Similarly, Morgan's "The Puritan Dilemma" explores the complexities of Puritan society, highlighting the tension between individual freedom and communal responsibility. These historical perspectives offer a more balanced and nuanced view of the Puritans, acknowledging their contributions to American culture and civilization while simultaneously criticizing their shortcomings. By examining the Puritans in the context of their time and place, these narratives provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of Puritan society. Literary Imaginations Beyond historical and contemporary perspectives, attitudes toward the Puritans are also shaped by literary imaginations. Authors such as Sarah Orne Jewett and Marilynne Robinson described the Puritans with a sense of nostalgia and reverence, highlighting their moral seriousness and spiritual strength. In “The Country of the Sharp Fir Trees,” Jewett evokes a sense of admiration for the Puritans' resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, portraying them as stoic and noble figures in American history. At the.