Michael Wigglesworth

Definition

Michael Wigglesworth was a 17th-century American Puritan poet and minister, best known for his poem 'The Day of Doom', which is often considered one of the earliest and most significant pieces of American literature. His works reflect the religious fervor and themes of judgment and morality that characterize Puritan poetry, paralleling the contributions of contemporaries like Anne Bradstreet in exploring faith and the human condition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wigglesworth was born in England in 1631 and immigrated to New England with his family, where he became a prominent figure in the Puritan community.
2. His poem 'The Day of Doom' was widely read and influential, reflecting the anxieties and fears surrounding death and salvation prevalent among Puritans.
3. Wigglesworth's poetry is characterized by its vivid imagery and moralistic themes, which align closely with the Puritan worldview emphasizing sin and redemption.
4. Unlike Anne Bradstreet, who often expressed personal feelings in her poetry, Wigglesworth focused on communal concerns and the collective fate of humanity.
5. Wigglesworth served as a minister for many years, balancing his duties in the church with his literary pursuits, which helped solidify his status as an important figure in early American literature.

Review Questions

• How does Michael Wigglesworth's work reflect Puritan beliefs and values in comparison to Anne Bradstreet's poetry?
  • Michael Wigglesworth's work embodies Puritan beliefs through its focus on judgment, morality, and communal destiny, as seen in his famous poem 'The Day of Doom'. In contrast, Anne Bradstreet's poetry often expresses personal emotions and experiences within her faith. While both poets contribute to understanding the Puritan mindset, Wigglesworth's emphasis on collective morality starkly contrasts with Bradstreet's more introspective approach to faith.
• Analyze how 'The Day of Doom' serves as both a literary work and a reflection of societal attitudes during Wigglesworth's time.
  • 'The Day of Doom' serves as a powerful literary work that encapsulates the fears and beliefs of 17th-century Puritans regarding judgment and salvation. The poem vividly illustrates the consequences of sin, tapping into the cultural anxieties surrounding mortality that were prevalent among Wigglesworth's contemporaries. Its widespread popularity highlights how literature can act as a medium for expressing collective sentiments about faith and morality in society.
• Evaluate the impact Michael Wigglesworth had on early American literature and how his themes resonate with modern readers.
  • Michael Wigglesworth's impact on early American literature is significant due to his exploration of fundamental themes such as judgment, morality, and salvation that continue to resonate today. His work laid groundwork for future American poets by highlighting the role of religious belief in shaping cultural narratives. Modern readers may find relevance in his treatment of universal human concerns such as fear of death and desire for redemption, allowing them to connect with 17th-century sentiments through a contemporary lens.

Related terms

Puritanism:

A religious reform movement in the late 16th and 17th centuries aimed at purifying the Church of England, emphasizing simplicity in worship and a strict moral code.

The Day of Doom: Wigglesworth's most famous work, published in 1662, is a long poem depicting the Last Judgment and the fate of souls, showcasing his Puritan beliefs and poetic style.

Anne Bradstreet:

The first published female poet in America, whose works often explored themes of faith, love, and domestic life, complementing the male-dominated literary landscape of her time.