One common theme is moral integrity. Just as the Puritans had a strong sense of right and wrong, modern day puritan stories often feature characters who hold firmly to their moral beliefs in the face of temptation or social pressure.
There are modern day puritan stories in the context of environmentalism. Some individuals lead a very 'puritan' lifestyle when it comes to their ecological footprint. They might live in a small, sustainable home, grow their own food, and use only renewable energy sources. Their story is about simplicity and respect for the earth, much like the Puritans' values of living simply and in harmony with God's creation.
Sure. There are tales about Puritan families' migration in search of religious freedom. They faced many hardships during their journeys, like rough seas and scarce resources. These stories show their determination and the importance of their faith in their lives, rather than inappropriate content.
One characteristic is their simplicity. They didn't have elaborate special effects like modern horror stories. The focus was more on the message. Puritan ghost stories also frequently involved the dead coming back to haunt the living due to unfulfilled duties or wrongdoings. These stories were often passed down orally within the Puritan communities and were a way to keep the community in line with their strict religious beliefs.
The main themes include the omnipresence of God. In Puritan short stories, God is seen as ever - present, watching over the characters' actions. This gives a sense of moral accountability in the stories. Sin is a major theme too. The Puritans believed in the inborn sinfulness of humanity, and stories would often deal with characters succumbing to or overcoming their sinful natures. Additionally, there is the theme of the individual's journey towards salvation. This journey was central to Puritan beliefs, and the short stories would depict different aspects of it, like the trials and tribulations one must face to attain salvation.
Puritan fiction often has strong moral and religious themes. It emphasizes on the concept of sin, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil. Characters are usually depicted as either following or straying from the Puritanical code of conduct.
Puritan romance novels often have a strong moral undertone. The characters usually uphold strict moral codes. For example, they might value honesty, hard work, and chastity highly. The romances are not just about love but also about spiritual growth within the context of Puritan beliefs.
Puritan horror novels often feature elements of sin, guilt, and the supernatural. They may explore the dark side of human nature within the context of Puritan beliefs. For example, the idea of damnation for immoral acts is a common theme. The settings are often gloomy, like old Puritan towns or isolated areas. Characters might be haunted by their past sins or face otherworldly threats.
Puritan ghost stories provided a base for the development of American horror and supernatural literature. Their focus on the spiritual realm and the consequences of human actions in a religious context was carried forward. Many American authors were influenced by the Puritan view of the world as presented in these ghost stories. This led to the creation of stories where the supernatural was not just for shock value but also as a way to question and explore the human condition within a religious and moral framework, which is still seen in contemporary American literature to some extent.