Topic > Colonial Period: Puritans of the Thirteen Colonies

The Colonial Period is a time in history when colonists came to the Thirteen Colonies to seek religious freedom, vast land, and a strike for wealth. One religious group that fled with the ambition of achieving religious freedom is the Puritans. The Puritans believed in finding an Eden in this new land; however, they were greeted by harsh climates, loss of supplies, and death. Because of these difficulties, many began to write about the difficulties they faced. Their work and writings are classified as colonial literature. Colonial literature consists of works that are primarily nonfiction. Common topics written within revolve around politics, religion, and the basic survival of the new territory. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Nonfiction is an important genre written by many writers during the colonial period. William Bradford, a colonial writer, wrote Of Plymouth Plantation, which chronicles Bradford's experiences on the Mayflower and the obstacles faced by the colony. Bradford writes: "In these hard and difficult beginnings they found that discontent and murmurs arose among some...". As soon as they set foot on new terrain, pilgrims already doubt this unknown environment. It is in Bradford's writing that the serious situations that are slowly coming to light are highlighted. “Verses upon the Burning of our House,” composed by Anne Bradstreet, is a verse that uses rhyme and imagery to describe the burning of the speaker's house. “So on the way out, here's a space. The flame consumes my dwelling." The specified lines show the speaker's action of leaving the house and witnessing the disintegration of his home into that of only ashes and earth. Benjamin Franklin's "Remarks on the Increase of Mankind, the Population of Countries, Etc.," also comes close to the fact that many writers during the colonial period wrote non-fiction. Benjamin Franklin's summary tract compares how Britain actively interacted with the Thirteen Colonies; meanwhile, England did nothing of the sort. “In proportion to the increase of the Colonies a vast demand for British Manufactures grows.” Franklin explains that, due to the expansion of the colonies, Britain's dependence also increased. An excerpt, a verse, and a short essay are all written in the main genre of nonfiction, which means the substantial use of this type of category. Religion is so important to many writers in this era because there is an escalation of different religions. In “Verses upon the Burning of our House,” by Anne Bradstreet, she writes: “And to my God, my heart cried. To straighten me out in my anguish and not leave me without help." The speaker cries out to God in prayer to assure him that all will be well. Another quote that involves religion is when the speaker states, “My hope and my treasure lie above.” This refers to the fact that the speaker's home and possessions have deteriorated, forcing the speaker to focus solely on God. Anne Bradstreet includes religion in her verse to demonstrate the dominion she has. Another work by Anne Bradstreet is "To My Dear and Loving Husband." In lines nine and ten it is written: “Your love is such that I cannot repay in any way; The heavens reward you many times over, please. The other person's love is immeasurable for the narrator to reciprocate. The narrator instead prays that God will reward the other person multiple times. Of Plymouth Plantation incorporates text that references religion. William Bradford captures a moment when a young man,.