The following is an essay assigned in my English class to introduce everyone the background information of our studies on The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible. The required passages we had to read, Of Plymouth Plantations and A History of the Dividing Line gave us a glimpse of early American literature as well as the development of the American culture.
Puritans vs. Cavaliers: Compare and Contrast
After the discovery of the New World in the 15th century, the vast territory of America would become a land of opportunity for settlers, particularly English immigrants. Some includes the Puritans fleeing religious persecution and maritime travelers, later known as Southern Aristocrats or Cavaliers, searching for bullion. Already, the reason for their arrival will further add to the many differences they share.
Indeed, a major difference between the Puritans and Cavaliers is their religious belief. Although they’re labeled as Protestants, the Puritans sought to purify the Church of England and to worship accordingly to their will. On the contrary, Cavaliers, conformers of the English society, focused on more ‘worldly’ subjects, such as literature and nature sciences.
Because of the regional climate, amount of land, and background of the two groups, a distinction in the economy and the politics exists between north and south colonies. As New England residents, Puritans live modest lives as small farmers, tradesmen, and landholders. Through the use of contracts to conduct political conditions, such as the Mayflower Compact and the agreement between the Indians and Pilgrims from William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantations excerpts, they established the basis of an American constitutional democracy. However, their own political system seems undemocratic under the rigid obedience to the ‘elect’s’ leadership. Similarly in William Byrd’s A History of the Dividing Line, deciding annual presidents among elite men themselves in the Virginia colony was rather a hassle, mainly because of their constant disputes. Not as industrious as their New England counterparts, southern aristocrats rely on slaves and willing laborers to work on plantations, the backbone of the southern economy.
Furthermore, Cavaliers and Puritans consequently have opposing views due to the set of values each specifically possess. Puritans prefer the simplicity of the Bible, evident in their writing, while Cavaliers enjoy beauty, a symbol of temptation to the Pilgrims. Both managed records of their history, including diaries and journals, but either the documents were for scrutinizing for inner grace personally (Puritans) or observing the interactions of people, using polished writing and literary elements (Cavaliers).
Although these two backgrounds differ in ideology, the Puritans and Cavaliers contribute to the collective culture of America. Amidst the technology of today, the Puritans’ virtue of simplicity and search for inner spirituality become valuable life lessons. In addition, the Cavaliers’ love for knowledge and beauty encourages people to delve into their curiosities and enjoy their leisurely pleasures.
