The 17th century in American poetry may not have seen the grand literary movements that would come in later centuries, but it was a period of significant literary experimentation. It was deeply tied to the early colonial and Puritan experience, and the poets of this era reflected their struggles, religious fervor, and the harsh realities of their new world. This article will delve into the lives and works of 14 prominent American poets from the 17th century, examining their contributions, themes, and influence on the emerging American literary landscape.
American Poets of the 17th Century
1. Michael Wigglesworth (1631–1705)
Michael Wigglesworth, a Puritan minister, was one of the most prominent voices in early American religious poetry. His works captured the intense religious fervor and moral concerns of the time.
Literary Contributions
Wigglesworth’s poetry is defined by its didactic and theological tone, designed to instill religious values in its readers. His works often explored themes of sin, divine judgment, and salvation, with a particular emphasis on the Puritan view of a vengeful God.
Notable Works
Wigglesworth’s most famous work, The Day of Doom (1662), is a long, apocalyptic poem that describes the Last Judgment. It was immensely popular in its time and is considered one of the first bestsellers in American literature. The poem, written in rhymed verse, paints a vivid and terrifying picture of the final judgment, emphasizing the consequences of sin and the importance of living a pious life.
Influence
Wigglesworth’s poetry had a profound impact on the religious and moral climate of early New England. His works were widely read and used as teaching tools for instilling Puritan values in colonial society.
2. Edward Taylor (1642–1729)
Edward Taylor, a Puritan minister and poet, is considered one of the most accomplished poets of early America. His deeply religious works were not published during his lifetime but were discovered and published posthumously.
Literary Contributions
Taylor’s poetry is characterized by its devotional tone and complex theological themes. His work often reflects his deep engagement with Puritan doctrine, particularly the relationship between the human soul and God. His use of metaphysical imagery and elaborate poetic structures sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.
Notable Works
Taylor’s most famous collection, Preparatory Meditations, is a series of poems written in preparation for communion. These poems are deeply personal and explore the poet’s relationship with God in a highly introspective and meditative way. His poem “Huswifery” is also widely studied, using the extended metaphor of weaving to explore the process of spiritual purification.
Influence
Though his work was not known during his lifetime, Edward Taylor is now recognized as one of the foremost early American poets. His intricate use of language and metaphysical style has earned him a place among the most influential writers of the colonial period.
3. John Cotton (1585–1652)
John Cotton was a prominent Puritan clergyman and theologian, whose sermons and religious writings had a lasting influence on early American religious thought. Though better known for his prose, Cotton also engaged in poetic expression to convey theological ideas.
Literary Contributions
Cotton’s poetry, like his prose, was steeped in religious doctrine. His works are characterized by their focus on Puritan theology, often addressing themes of salvation, predestination, and the Christian’s relationship with God. His poetry serves as an extension of his preaching, designed to instruct and inspire spiritual reflection.
Notable Works
Cotton’s poetic contributions were largely overshadowed by his prose works, but his use of poetry as a form of religious instruction was influential among his contemporaries. His hymns and devotional poems were used in religious services, reinforcing the Puritan emphasis on scriptural understanding and personal piety.
Influence
As a key figure in the religious and intellectual life of early New England, John Cotton’s influence extended beyond his sermons and theological treatises. His poetic works, though not as widely celebrated as some of his contemporaries, played a role in shaping the religious culture of the time.
4. Samuel Danforth (1626–1674)
Samuel Danforth was a prominent Puritan minister and poet, who, like many of his contemporaries, used poetry as a means of religious instruction and moral exhortation.
Literary Contributions
Danforth’s poetry often addressed the moral and religious concerns of the Puritan community, focusing on the themes of divine judgment, human frailty, and the need for repentance. His works were intended to reinforce the religious teachings of the church and encourage moral rectitude among his readers.
Notable Works
One of Danforth’s most notable works is An Astronomical Description of the Late Comet (1664), which combines scientific observation with religious interpretation. The poem reflects the Puritan tendency to view natural phenomena as signs of God’s will, interpreting the appearance of a comet as a warning of divine judgment.
Influence
Danforth’s poetry, while not as widely known today, was influential in its time for its combination of religious instruction and natural observation. His works reflect the Puritan worldview, which saw the hand of God in all aspects of life, from the heavens to the human soul.
5. Roger Williams (1603–1683)
Roger Williams, best known as a theologian and founder of the colony of Rhode Island, also made contributions to early American poetry. His works reflect his deep commitment to religious freedom and his opposition to the rigid Puritan orthodoxy of Massachusetts.
Literary Contributions
Williams’s poetry is infused with his theological and philosophical beliefs, particularly his advocacy for the separation of church and state. His works often address themes of religious liberty, individual conscience, and the dangers of religious persecution.
Notable Works
Williams’s most famous poetic work is A Key into the Language of America (1643), a mixture of prose and poetry that provides an early account of Native American languages and culture. The work is notable not only for its linguistic contributions but also for its expression of Williams’s views on tolerance and coexistence.
Influence
Though better known for his theological writings and political contributions, Roger Williams’s poetry played a role in shaping the early American discourse on religious freedom and individual rights. His emphasis on tolerance and respect for different cultures remains a significant aspect of his legacy.
6. John Eliot (1604–1690)
John Eliot, often referred to as “the Apostle to the Indians,” was a missionary who sought to convert Native Americans to Christianity. His works, including poetry, reflect his missionary zeal and his deep commitment to spreading the Christian faith among indigenous peoples.
Literary Contributions
Eliot’s poetry was primarily religious, focusing on themes of salvation, conversion, and the Christian duty to spread the gospel. His works often served as tools for religious instruction, designed to convey the message of the Bible in a way that was accessible to both settlers and Native Americans.
Notable Works
Eliot is best known for his translation of the Bible into the Algonquian language, but his poetic contributions, though lesser-known, also reflect his missionary efforts. His hymns and religious poems were used in both English and Algonquian services, reinforcing the message of Christianity through verse.
Influence
John Eliot’s influence on early American religious life is significant, not only for his missionary work but also for his contributions to religious poetry and hymnody. His efforts to bridge cultural divides through language and religion remain an important part of his legacy.
7. Urian Oakes (1631–1681)
Urian Oakes was a Puritan minister and poet whose works reflect the religious and intellectual life of early New England. His poetry, like that of many of his contemporaries, was deeply influenced by his religious beliefs.
Literary Contributions
Oakes’s poetry often explored themes of divine providence, human frailty, and the need for repeition, reinforcing the religious teachings of the church.
Notable Works
One of Oakes’s most famous works is his elegy for Thomas Shepard, a prominent Puritan minister. The poem reflects the Puritan tradition of memorializing religious leaders, emphasizing the spiritual legacy they left behind.
Influence
Oakes’s poetry, though not as widely read today, was influential in its time for its emphasis on religious reflection and moral instruction. His works reflect the intellectual and spiritual concerns of the Puritan community, contributing to the development of early American religious poetry.
8. John Norton (1606–1663)
John Norton was a Puritan minister and poet, whose works reflect the religious and moral concerns of early New England. His poetry, like his sermons, was designed to instruct and inspire his readers to live pious and moral lives.
Literary Contributions
Norton’s poetry is characterized by its didactic tone and theological focus. His works often address themes of sin, salvation, and the Christian’s relationship with God, reflecting the central concerns of Puritan theology.
Notable Works
One of Norton’s most notable works is his elegy for John Cotton, a prominent Puritan leader. The poem reflects the Puritan tradition of commemorating religious leaders and emphasizes the spiritual legacy left by Cotton.
Influence
Norton’s poetry played a role in shaping the religious culture of early New England, reinforcing the importance of living a pious and moral life. His works reflect the intellectual and spiritual concerns of the time, contributing to the development of early American religious poetry.
9. Benjamin Tompson (1642–1714)
Benjamin Tompson was one of the first native-born American poets, and his works reflect the colonial experience of early New England. His poetry often addressed themes of hardship, struggle, and the challenges of life in the new world.
Literary Contributions
Tompson’s poetry is marked by its focus on the difficulties of colonial life, including conflicts with Native Americans, disease, and the harsh environment. His works often reflect the resilience and determination of the early settlers, while also acknowledging the suffering they endured.
Notable Works
One of Tompson’s most famous works is New England’s Crisis (1676), a poem that describes the challenges faced by the colonists during King Philip’s War. The poem reflects the fear and uncertainty of the time, while also expressing a sense of hope for the future.
Influence
Tompson’s poetry provides a valuable insight into the colonial experience, capturing the struggles and triumphs of the early settlers. His works remain an important part of the early American literary tradition, reflecting the resilience and determination of the colonists.
10. Peter Folger (1617–1690)
Peter Folger was an early American poet and settler, best known as the maternal grandfather of Benjamin Franklin. His poetry reflects the religious and political concerns of the time, particularly the tension between the settlers and the English authorities.
Literary Contributions
Folger’s poetry often addressed themes of religious freedom, individual rights, and the need for tolerance. His works reflect his belief in the importance of religious liberty and his opposition to the rigid Puritan orthodoxy of Massachusetts.
Notable Works
One of Folger’s most famous works is A Looking Glass for the Times (1675), a poem that criticizes the religious and political leaders of Massachusetts for their intolerance and hypocrisy. The poem reflects Folger’s commitment to religious freedom and his belief in the importance of individual conscience.
Influence
Folger’s poetry played a role in shaping the early American discourse on religious liberty and individual rights. His works reflect the tension between the settlers and the English authorities, contributing to the development of early American political thought.
11. Cotton Mather (1663–1728)
Cotton Mather, a prominent Puritan minister and writer, was one of the most influential figures in early American religious life. Though best known for his prose works, Mather also made contributions to early American poetry.
Literary Contributions
Mather’s poetry, like his prose, reflects his deep commitment to Puritan theology and his belief in the importance of religious instruction. His works often address themes of sin, divine judgment, and the Christian’s relationship with God.
Notable Works
Mather’s poetic contributions are largely overshadowed by his more famous prose works, such as Magnalia Christi Americana, but his religious poems and hymns played a role in reinforcing the Puritan worldview.
Influence
As one of the most prominent religious leaders of his time, Cotton Mather’s influence extended beyond his sermons and theological writings. His poetic works, though lesser-known, played a rolminister and poet, whose works reflect the religious and intellectual life of early New England. His poetry, like that of many of his contemporaries, was deeply influenced by his religious beliefs.
12. Thomas Shepard (1605–1649)
Thomas Shepard was a Puritan minister and poet, whose works reflect the religious and intellectual life of early New England. His poetry, like that of many of his contemporaries, was deeply influenced by his religious beliefs.
Literary Contributions
Shepard’s poetry often explored themes of divine providence, human frailty, and the need for repentance. His works were intended to inspire reflection on the nature of God and the human condition, reinforcing the religious teachings of the church.
Notable Works
Shepard’s poetic contributions include a series of hymns and religious poems, which were used in Puritan religious services. His works reflect the Puritan tradition of using poetry as a means of religious instruction.
Influence
Shepard’s poetry played a role in shaping the religious culture of early New England, contributing to the development of early American religious poetry.
13. William Bradford (1590–1657)
William Bradford, best known as the governor of the Plymouth Colony, also made contributions to early American poetry. His works reflect the challenges and triumphs of the early settlers, as well as his deep religious faith.
Literary Contributions
Bradford’s poetry often addressed themes of hardship, struggle, and the challenges of life in the new world. His works reflect the resilience and determination of the early settlers, while also acknowledging the suffering they endured.
Notable Works
Bradford’s poetic contributions are largely overshadowed by his more famous prose works, such as Of Plymouth Plantation, but his poems provide a valuable insight into the colonial experience.
Influence
Bradford’s poetry remains an important part of the early American literary tradition, reflecting the resilience and determination of the colonists.
14. Nathaniel Morton (1613–1685)
Nathaniel Morton, a colonial historian and poet, is best known for his work New England’s Memorial (1669), which chronicles the history of the Plymouth Colony. His poetic contributions, though lesser-known, reflect the religious and historical concerns of the time.
Literary Contributions
Morton’s poetry often addressed themes of divine providence, human frailty, and the need for repentance. His works were intended to inspire reflection on the nature of God and the human condition, reinforcing the religious teachings of the church.
Notable Works
Morton’s poetic contributions include a series of hymns and religious poems, which were used in Puritan religious services. His works reflect the Puritan tradition of using poetry as a means of religious instruction.
Influence
Morton’s poetry played a role in shaping the religious culture of early New England, contributing to the development of early American religious poetry.
Conclusion
The 17th century in American poetry was a time of religious fervor, intellectual exploration, and literary experimentation. These 14 poets, though often overshadowed by later American literary giants, played a crucial role in shaping the early American literary tradition. Their works reflect the challenges, struggles, and triumphs of life in the New World, as well as the deep religious faith that sustained them. Their influence can still be seen in the development of American poetry and literature, laying the foundation for the rich literary tradition that would follow.
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