To even attempt placing the American ideals set forth in Marie Catherine Sedgewick's "Hope leslie" exclusively within one of the two examples noted, we must first examine the examples themselves. The first example of the puritans ideals towards the americas is filled with quotes and direct ties to prominant authors such as bradford and mather, and even goes af far as using a bible quote as an example to exemplify the passion these puritans viewed the new americas. These puritans leaned much more towards the religious aspects of colonization, and looked at this new world as a wilderness, and saw themselves as missionaries that must spread their word of the christian god. This example of Puritanism is seen in some small aspects within Hope leslie, such as within the character of Esther Downing, who was always described as being "always characterized by a religious epithet" (136), and numerous times qu
otes lines from the bible itself. Though, this was the only real tie to the first example of bradford, and winthrops puritanism that was presented. The second description of puritanism can be tied much more closely to the ideals placed within hope leslie, as it is described as the settlers seeing the land as a way to obtain more wealth, and expand civilization as a whole. This example is somewhat justified within the general attitude seen in HL directed towards the indian community, being one of contempt and hatred. Except for a select few (hope, everell, mr fletcher) the attitude towards the indian communtity can be exemplified within the character digby; the guard and friend of the bethel estate, who very vehemently despises the indians, as they are a threat to his community, and thusly threaten the further expansion of the town, which thereby ties into the ideal of expansion for individual gain.
All papers and essays are for research and reference purposes only!
Copyright 2002-2009
Direct Essays , LLC. All Rights Reserved. DMCA Webmasters make $$$$