American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023
City Upon a Hill: Salvation and Self-Mythology in Magnalia Christi Americana
Cotton Mather
Magnalia Christi Americana (1702) by Cotton Mather is regarded as a classic piece of American Puritan literature. It is more than just a history book; it is an intentional and self-aware production of the American identity, intricately entwined with ideas of self-mythology and salvation. Mather creates a story that presents New England as a divinely selected "City Upon a Hill," a beam of Puritan morality in a corrupt world, by skillfully describing important individuals and events.
The Torch and the Elect:
The idea of the "elect," a certain set of people predestined for redemption, is central to Mather's vision. According to his narrative, New Englanders are not just colonists pursuing a fresh start; rather, they are God's appointed agents entrusted with constructing a "city of the Lord" amidst the wilderness. This feeling of selection feeds a strong mixture of accountability and pride. The Puritans are more than just residents of their new country; they are players in a vast cosmic drama that is influencing the path of history by upholding God's law.
Key characters like John Winthrop, whose well-known "A Model of Christian Charity" sermon establishes the foundation for the Puritan expedition, are portrayed by Mather with a clear sense of mission. The founding of New England is motivated by Winthrop's idea of a society committed to morality and setting an example for the rest of the world.
Self-Representation and Salvation:
Mather's Magnalia is a record of hardships and difficulties as well as a celebration of Puritan accomplishments. The Puritans encounter opposition from Native Americans, internal dissension, and the ongoing danger of spiritual degradation. But these difficulties just serve to reinforce their sense of избранноcть. The Puritans prove themselves worthy of their divinely appointed position by enduring hardship.
The notion of salvation is also supported by Mather's attention to the details of specific lives within the greater story. He writes entire chapters on well-known clergymen, academics, and judges, stressing their devotion to the Puritan cause, piety, and knowledge. These people turn become models of the elect, their lives acting as compass points for those who are looking for redemption.
The Self-Mythological Shadow:
Mather's expansive story is not without its inconsistencies and complications, though. The focus on one's own exceptionality has the potential to quickly turn into intolerance and conceit. The Puritans' blinding belief in their own righteousness frequently prevents them from seeing the misery they cause to others, whether it be to heretical people or Native Americans.
Additionally, the emphasis on personal salvation may encourage rivalry and self-interest among community members. The persistent demand to prove one's избранность can result in moral rigidity and hypocrisy.
Sustaining Legacy:
Magnalia Christi Americana is nevertheless a potent and significant work in spite of its flaws. It influenced early Americans' sense of self and is still relevant in discussions about American exceptionalism and identity today. Although problematic in its exclusivity, Mather's vision of a nation chosen by God also reflects a deep-seated desire for moral purpose and a dedication to creating a decent and moral community.
To sum up, Magnalia Christi Americana is an intricate and varied work that provides insightful understandings of the Puritan worldview. Its themes of self-mythology and salvation help us better comprehend the influences that molded early America and still have an impact on American culture today.