What started it all

Something had to model a change for Contemporary American Literature, however was it the Puritans who inspired it? Could it have been the wickedness of Jonathan Edward's section, or maybe the religious aspect of Bradford's piece that opened new doors for the possibility of new forms of writing?

Jonathan Edwards's "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" gave quite a radical perception of how he views religion. Applying words such as "tormented, "damnation", and "everlasting destruction" give it its menacing feel. In that time, Edwards inspired multiple writers to begin this new style of writing. Though, it didn't spark a huge change in that time. Many authors nowadays have adopted his style, yet it still isn't a popular form of writing even in this day. 

In contrast, Bradford illustrates a view of religion in a calm atmosphere. He writes about hope, looking to god for help, and the importance of Jesus. He and his friends were on a small raft when they finally found land. Kissing the sand, Bradford thanks the god of heaven for this grateful moment. Bradford provided American Literature with religious piece which most didn't write about. Again, like Edwards's piece, it didn't give us this incredible new genre that everyone was amazed by.

Authors to this day still write like Edwards and Bradford. They've inspired many but in my opinion, they didn't model any kind of big change.