Jonathan Edwards Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

Jonathan Edwards author of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” and Nathaniel Hawthorne author of “The Minister's Black Veil” wrote about the Puritans’ religion. Both texts include information about sins. Both texts also share and express different feelings towards the Puritan religion. The two texts will be compared by details, tone, and figurative language. While I would characterize Jonathan Edwards’ text as powerful and harsh, the character of Parson Hooper changes the reader’s understanding of Puritan ideals of religion by showing readers everyone sins.

To begin with, the details in “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God” is more effective than “The Minister’s Black Veil.” Edwards writes “The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation.” This quote demonstrates God’s warranted anger for those who have destroyed his laws. The inclusion of this detail makes

Edward’s message even more powerful for the audience. Even though Edwards text is more effective Hawthorne also uses specific details to convey his message. Hawthorne writes.. “In order to deal with Mr. Hooper about the mystery before it should grow into a scandal.” Since the text suggests that the veil could cause a scandal, it shows that the veil had a negative impact on the community and Parson Hooper. While it is evident that Hawthorne’s details are more mysterious and enticing, Edwards details are more effective because they are more intimidating and powerful.
Next, the tone in “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is more effective than the “Minister’s Black Veil.” Edwards writes, “Everyone lays out matters in his own mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that he contrived well for himself, and that his schemes won’t fail.” This quote uses a condemning tone by referring damnation to hell and that people avoid it in different ways.

Even though Edwards text is more effective Hawthorne also uses specific tone to convey his message. Hawthorne writes, “The color rose into her cheeks as she intimated the nature of the rumors that were already abroad in the village. But Mr. Hooper’s mildness did not forsake him. He even smiled again that same sad smile, which always appeared like a faint glimmering of light, proceeding from the obscurity beneath the veil.” This quote shows that Parson Hooper and the community is melancholy the way Mr. Hooper smiles. While it is evident that Hawthorne’s tone is more reflective and melancholy, Edwards’ tone is more effective because they are more condemning and

powerful.
Then, the figurative language in “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is more effective than “The Minister’s Black Veil.” Edwards writes, “therefore, let everyone that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The Wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation.” This quote uses imagery because the wrath is used to visualize sins. Even though Edwards text is more effective Hawthorne uses specific figurative language to convey his message. Hawthorne writes, “a new feeling took the place of sorrow: her eyes were fixed insensibly on the black veil, when, like a twilight in the air.” This quote uses the black veil as a symbol for sorrow. While it is evident that Hawthorne’s figurative language is more relatable and direct, Edwards figurative language is more effective because they are more visual and dramatic.
In conclusion, the differences in Edwards’ and Hawthorne’s text is more important because it is easier to evaluate which text was more effective. Both texts showed that religion, sin and the community is very important in the Puritan Society. Edwards style was more effective because it was more powerful and more visual than Hawthorne’s style.