Assignment Question

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words: Identify 2 readings from this week that share or build upon one of the themes you identified last week. Provide a minimum of 2 examples of how the theme is either similarly or differently represented in this week’s materials. How do you feel the authors (from last week and this week) perceive and represent “American” culture, values, or beliefs based on both the themes and other content of the writings you’ve selected? Could you do theses readings ?Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards and On Being Brought From Africa to America by Phillis Wheatley.

Answer

Introduction

This essay explores the theme of American identity and cultural values as represented in two significant works, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards and “On Being Brought From Africa to America” by Phillis Wheatley. These readings provide distinct perspectives on how authors perceive and portray “American” culture, values, and beliefs. While both texts touch upon this theme, they do so from contrasting angles.

Jonathan Edwards’ “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

A. Representation of American Identity – Edwards’ sermon reflects early American society’s Puritanical values, emphasizing the centrality of religious piety and moral purity to American identity. – The text conveys a sense of urgency and fear, suggesting that America is a land where divine wrath awaits sinners, thus shaping the perception of a morally strict society.

B. Perception of American Values – Edwards portrays America as a place where righteousness is rewarded, reinforcing the belief that adherence to religious values is integral to the American experience. – The text underscores the consequences of moral failings, aligning with a vision of America as a nation with a strong moral compass.

Phillis Wheatley’s “On Being Brought From Africa to America”

A. Representation of American Identity – Wheatley’s poem offers a unique perspective as an enslaved African, celebrating her journey to America as a path to Christianity and salvation. – The text presents American culture as a force for good, offering hope and spiritual enlightenment, even to those who endured the horrors of slavery.

B. Perception of American Values – Wheatley’s work suggests a more inclusive view of American culture, one that transcends the limitations imposed by slavery and embraces the potential for redemption. – The poem challenges conventional notions of American identity by emphasizing the transformative power of American values, particularly in the context of her own life.

Conclusion

In “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” Jonathan Edwards represents American culture as deeply rooted in religious piety and moral rectitude, with dire consequences for those who deviate from these values. In contrast, Phillis Wheatley’s “On Being Brought From Africa to America” presents a more inclusive perspective, highlighting the redemptive potential of American culture, even for those who have suffered immensely. Together, these readings reveal the multifaceted nature of American cultural values and beliefs, reflecting the diverse experiences and perspectives of individuals in early America. These works serve as valuable windows into the evolving understanding of American identity and the various ways it has been perceived and represented in the nation’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the central theme discussed in “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards?

• The central theme in Jonathan Edwards’ sermon is the representation of American identity shaped by religious piety and moral purity. It emphasizes the idea that America is a land where divine wrath awaits sinners who deviate from these values.

2. How does Phillis Wheatley’s “On Being Brought From Africa to America” contrast with Jonathan Edwards’ perspective on American identity?

• Phillis Wheatley’s poem celebrates her journey to America as a path to Christianity and salvation, offering a more inclusive view of American culture. It suggests that American values can provide hope and spiritual enlightenment, even for those who suffered the horrors of slavery, contrasting with Edwards’ strict moral focus.

3. What are the perceptions of American values presented in “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”?

• Jonathan Edwards portrays American values as deeply rooted in religious righteousness, reinforcing the belief that adherence to religious and moral values is essential to American identity. The consequences of moral failings are prominently featured in his sermon.

4. How does Phillis Wheatley challenge conventional notions of American identity in her poem?

• Phillis Wheatley challenges conventional notions of American identity by emphasizing the transformative power of American values. She presents America as a place where even the enslaved can find hope and redemption, offering a different perspective on what it means to be American.

5. What do these readings collectively reveal about American cultural values and beliefs?

• Together, these readings reveal the complexity of American cultural values and beliefs. They showcase the diversity of perspectives in early America and how different individuals perceived and represented these values based on their unique experiences.