Watson And Shark Compare And Contrast Essay

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When the Puritans first settled, it was believed that man first existed in a state of nature where he was born without any constraints, and therefore could live in absolute freedom. This new Puritan idea was explored in many ways, including painting, and writing. In the painting titled, “Watson and Shark” by John Singleton Copley, the Puritan ideals are clearly displayed. The painting shows a multicultural group of people in a small wooden boat fending off the other seemingly dangerous people and animals, showing the danger that the Puritans had to face. Similarly, in the short story, “Of Plymouth Plantation”, by William Bradford, the Puritan values discussed mainly focus around religion and being thankful for god; something the Puritans believed in strongly. With relating literature to Puritan beliefs by focusing on God and religion, and being able to depict the sense of nature and freedom in paintings, these two works of art successfully compare and demonstrate the similarities of Puritanism in nature, works of art, and literature. …show more content…

One of the main ideas displayed in the painting is the savagery they had to face. People are shown in this painting in a boat fending off wild animals, and people, all of which are seemingly trying to attack the boat. This painting ultimately shows the life that the Puritans had to live; in the wild, being attacked and being fearful. In many examples, the Puritans would need to fight off wildlife, in addition to other humans in order to survive, which is similar to what is being displayed in this painting. In addition to this the Puritans believed that life was brutal, and short; this is shown in the very dark tone of the painting, which is what the people in the boat are sailing through. The painting does a great job displaying the similarities between Puritan beliefs and

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