Puritan Webquest: Abigail Hobbs
Please answer the following questions in at least four sentences. Please paraphrase the information you find for each question, and use internal citation after each question. Then add a Works Cited section at the end of your Webquest. You may only use sites that end in .edu. Your webquest is due September 13. Good luck!
General Puritan Questions
1. What is predestination? What role does personal choice play in salvation under this belief?
The belief of predestination is that God already has determined the salvation of every individual. First established by John Calvin, predestination states that human beings are sinful at birth as the sins are passed down from the generations. These sins are believed to be passed down from every life, all the way from Adam and Eve. The modern critique on this idea leads to people saying, "is, like, TOTALLY unfair," but in the context of that historical time period, this idea provided a comforting lifestyle.
(Predestination)
2. According to the Puritans, who are the elect?
In the social order of the Puritans, the elect were the people bound to go to Hheaven. This ties in to predestination as God as already chosen the people who are the elect and the others, who are destined to go to Hhell. Because God had already chosen, the behavior in the life of an elect did not change or give "extra credit" to the outcome. As for the children of the elect group, they were not guaranteed to be selected by God.
(Puritanism in New England)
3. Who are the unregenerate, according to the Puritans?
According to the social order and predestination, the unregenerate were the people chosen to go to hell. The individual would live their entire life without the support of God. In society they would be untouchable by the Church. In the Ppuritan belief, even the young can be considered as sinners, such as, even newborns would be considered unregenerate.
(Puritanism in New England)
4. How did people initially realize they were elect?
Every individual person realized that they were an elect in many different ways. They realized when they were converted when assurance came within them. This could come randomly; from the time they are born or even when they are in lingering death. However, this way of converting is strong .as anybody, even an unregenerate, could claim to be an elect.
(Puritanism in New England)
5. How, exactly, did the Puritans want to "purify" the Church of England?
Puritans were not content with the morals and law of the Church of England. Because of this, they wanted to "purify" the Church of England from within. To do this, they didn't just want to reconstruct the church, but they wanted to remake the structures of individuals as well. In a way, the puritans wanted to reform the Church by getting away from it and starting their own religion.
(Puritanism in New England)
6. What is the "City on a Hill"? What did the Puritans see as the role of theocracy in this society?
John Winthrop who was the leader of the Mass. Bay Company, referred to the Bible when saying, "wee shall be as a Citty upon a hill." He said this in a sermon giving out the meaning of the future success of America. The role of theocracy was not only driven by religious belief, but by economical interests. This was because, the population of the poor was rising and they supported religious leaders who thought they would come to help.
(Beliefs: A City Upon a Hill)
7. How did the Puritans feel about the wilderness? Why?
The wilderness, which was the evil in the life of a human, become the bound enemy of a Puritan. The wilderness can also be used as a synonym for nature as the Puritans had always a constant battle over nature. To the Puritans there was both a literal and also a symbolic meaning to the wilderness. There was always dangerous aspects of nature around (literal), while the symbolic meaning lies within the individual.
(A Puritan in the Wilderness: Natty Bumppo's Language & America's Nature Today)
8. Describe or personify the God in which the Puritans believed.
To the Puritans, God is the ultimate being who is all-knowing. God is also picky, as he will save his chosen ones (elect), while the others are not selected for salvation (unregenerate). They also believed that God's grace is given to anybody and freely given. However, no matter what an individual does, God's grace cannot be earned or denied.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
9. How did the Puritan God treat the elect? How did he treat the unregenerate?
In Puritan belief, the elect were the God's chosen people. For them God provided the opportunity to redeem themselves from sin. Also he would omit them from evil, danger, and destruction. As for the unregenerate, they weren't treated as well as the elect, as they were not the chosen people of God.
(Puritanism in New England)
10. What was the purpose of higher education for the Puritans? Hint: Harvard was founded for this reason.
The purpose for higher education was to understand "technologia." This was a combination of logic, and the Scripture and Nature of the New World. Harvard College was born as a study-house for "technologia." Also higher education was the foundation and the source of Puritan thinking.
(Education, Physical Education and Puritans)
11. What was the purpose of literacy for the Puritans?
The purpose for literacy for the Puritans was all about God. They believed that God was very mysterious and therefore they would bring Him out by literature. This makes God more relevant. Also literature was used as a method to glorify God to the public.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
12. How, specifically, did the Puritans view their relationship with God? Be sure to tell who is more active and who is more passive.
The Puritans believed that in their relationship with God, God was the authority figure. God had supreme control over human activities and their salvation. Because of this idea, peoples' religious beliefs came before their morals. Because Puritans were dependent on God, this made them more passive, while God was the active one.
(Puritanism in New England)
13. Why did the Puritans mostly write histories, journals, and poetry?
Puritans wrote mostly histories, journals and poetry because these genres flowed well with their lifestyle. Using these, the Puritans can write simple, Plain Style, yet still be effective. Puritans are people who live by function and meaning, these genres allow them to express these beliefs to the fullest. Also they wrote in this format because Puritan would a lot of times write about God, in which these genres got the point across the fastest.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
14. According to Puritans, what is humanity's role in the world?
Humanities only role on the world was to be devoted to God, and do his will. Also humans exist just for the glory of God. According to Puritans, humans are supposed to be completely selfless of them and be with God. Last but not least, Puritans, although inevitable, were not supposed to commit any sins.
(Pilgrims, Puritans, and the ideology that is their American legacy)
15. Name at least three social causes for the lack of confidence that helped cause the Salem witch trials.
First and foremost, Indian attacks were a commonality, and because of the constant threat of terror, Puritans didn't have the best confidence. Also, they thought God was punishing them for all the misfortune that had happened to them, for example, the Indian attacks. Lastly, the Puritans felt less devoted to God as they realized God controls their lives in every way.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
16. Name at least four characteristics of a "good Puritan."
One characteristic of a "good" Puritan was selflessness as they must give themselves up for God. Another characteristic would be simplicity, for example, the Plain Style text that they used. Devotion to God would also be a characteristic, as without God, the Puritan would be nothing. Lastly, having a kind gesture and heart was important.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
17. Name at least three characteristics of Puritan writing, including the style used.
Puritan literature strictly used Plain Style for their writings. Usually, the puritan writers have nothing to do with the outside world. Because of this, the style was extremely normal. The pieces had symbolism and had references to sermons and the Geneva Bible.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
18. Name at least three reasons the Puritans survived to establish our country, while the Jamestown settlement ultimately failed.
The society of the Puritans and the Jamestown settlement were different in many ways. For one, Puritans supplied their own agriculture, leading them to be self-sufficient, while the Jamestown colony was dependent on England for their agricultural needs. Also, Puritans cooperated with the Indians more than the Jamestown settlement; this allowed the Puritans to be friends with people who were knowledgeable with the native area. Furthermore, Puritans were better bonded and more of a tight-knit community focusing on agriculture and religion, while the Jamestown colony was made for the sole purpose of making money fast (gold).
(Colonial America)
19. How many people were convicted of witchcraft in Salem?
A total of 185 people were accused of witchcraft in Salem. However, out of the 185, only 59 (both men and women) were tried. And out of those who were tried, 31 people were convicted of witchcraft. 19 people out of the 31 were later executed.
(The Salem Witch Trials)
20. How many men were convicted? How many women? Why was one man crushed?
There were a total of 141 women and 44 men who were accused. Both men and women were found to be guilty. Out of the 185 people, 26 women and 5 men were convicted of witchcraft in Salem. Giles Corey was crushed to death by stone weights because he refused to enter a plea.
(The Salem Witch Trials)
21. Who was the first person convicted of witchcraft?
Bridget Bishop was the first of many to be convicted of witchcraft. She died on June 10th as she was hanged on Gallows Hill in Salem Town. Before her death, she fought against the court for her freedom. However, the courts deemed her guilty and she was later hanged.
(The Salem Witch Trials)
Questions on Individual Assigned Puritans
22. Describe what you believe to be the most important day in your assigned Puritan's life.
The most important day for Abigail Hobbs would have to be when she admitted to her crimes. The exact date for this would be April 19th, 1692. I think this is the most important day because of the decision process that she must have been though to make up her mind on admitting to the crime. Ultimately, this day would be the foundation that would affect whether or not she would be guilty or not guilty.
(Abigail Hobbs)
23. For this question, depart from the short answer format. In as much detail as possible, give a timeline of the day you chose.
1. John Hawthorn and others examine and question Abigail Hobbs, in which she gives
straight answers.
2. The many questions continued, until she was taken deaf.
3. Sarah Good and Sarah Osborn, run their fingers through the examinants.
4. She denied speaking to Sarah Good, so she was taken away from the court.
5. The people with Abigail Hobbs apologized for her actions.
(Abigail Hobbs)
24. What Puritan ideas might have played a part in the day mentioned? Tell why at least three ideas might have played a role.
One idea that relates to the Puritan idea of a supernatural being controlling humans is that Abigail Hobbs thought that the devil, a supernatural being, was controlling her. Another is that, Puritans believe that they were born sinful, that is why Hobbs is being so straightforward. Although she has committed a sin, she knows that she was born that way. Finally, Puritans believe that God only saves the people that he wishes to do so; because of this, Hobbs knows from the beginning she will not be saved.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
25. Describe the most interesting source of tension in your Puritan's life.
What about the day intrigues you the most, and why?
I think that the source of tension in this day is her examiner, John Hawthorn. He is constantly asking questions, putting Hobbs on the spot. However, this is rather normal because all examinations have the questioner providing the tension to the subject. One thing that intrigues me is how cooperative and honest Hobbs is being.
(Abigail Hobbs)
26. If you were your Puritan (or if you wanted your Puritan's story told), what would you want the world to know?
If I were a Puritan, I would let the world know that I wasn't in control of my actions. Rather, God controlled every aspect of my life. This would be important then, when troublesome situations arise, it can be blamed on God's doing. I think that Abigail Hobbs and other examinants should have used this excuse.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
Please answer the following questions in at least four sentences. Please paraphrase the information you find for each question, and use internal citation after each question. Then add a Works Cited section at the end of your Webquest. You may only use sites that end in .edu. Your webquest is due September 13. Good luck!
General Puritan Questions
1. What is predestination? What role does personal choice play in salvation under this belief?
The belief of predestination is that God already has determined the salvation of every individual. First established by John Calvin, predestination states that human beings are sinful at birth as the sins are passed down from the generations. These sins are believed to be passed down from every life, all the way from Adam and Eve. The modern critique on this idea leads to people saying, "is, like, TOTALLY unfair," but in the context of that historical time period, this idea provided a comforting lifestyle.
(Predestination)
2. According to the Puritans, who are the elect?
In the social order of the Puritans, the elect were the people bound to go to Hheaven. This ties in to predestination as God as already chosen the people who are the elect and the others, who are destined to go to Hhell. Because God had already chosen, the behavior in the life of an elect did not change or give "extra credit" to the outcome. As for the children of the elect group, they were not guaranteed to be selected by God.
(Puritanism in New England)
3. Who are the unregenerate, according to the Puritans?
According to the social order and predestination, the unregenerate were the people chosen to go to hell. The individual would live their entire life without the support of God. In society they would be untouchable by the Church. In the Ppuritan belief, even the young can be considered as sinners, such as, even newborns would be considered unregenerate.
(Puritanism in New England)
4. How did people initially realize they were elect?
Every individual person realized that they were an elect in many different ways. They realized when they were converted when assurance came within them. This could come randomly; from the time they are born or even when they are in lingering death. However, this way of converting is strong .as anybody, even an unregenerate, could claim to be an elect.
(Puritanism in New England)
5. How, exactly, did the Puritans want to "purify" the Church of England?
Puritans were not content with the morals and law of the Church of England. Because of this, they wanted to "purify" the Church of England from within. To do this, they didn't just want to reconstruct the church, but they wanted to remake the structures of individuals as well. In a way, the puritans wanted to reform the Church by getting away from it and starting their own religion.
(Puritanism in New England)
6. What is the "City on a Hill"? What did the Puritans see as the role of theocracy in this society?
John Winthrop who was the leader of the Mass. Bay Company, referred to the Bible when saying, "wee shall be as a Citty upon a hill." He said this in a sermon giving out the meaning of the future success of America. The role of theocracy was not only driven by religious belief, but by economical interests. This was because, the population of the poor was rising and they supported religious leaders who thought they would come to help.
(Beliefs: A City Upon a Hill)
7. How did the Puritans feel about the wilderness? Why?
The wilderness, which was the evil in the life of a human, become the bound enemy of a Puritan. The wilderness can also be used as a synonym for nature as the Puritans had always a constant battle over nature. To the Puritans there was both a literal and also a symbolic meaning to the wilderness. There was always dangerous aspects of nature around (literal), while the symbolic meaning lies within the individual.
(A Puritan in the Wilderness: Natty Bumppo's Language & America's Nature Today)
8. Describe or personify the God in which the Puritans believed.
To the Puritans, God is the ultimate being who is all-knowing. God is also picky, as he will save his chosen ones (elect), while the others are not selected for salvation (unregenerate). They also believed that God's grace is given to anybody and freely given. However, no matter what an individual does, God's grace cannot be earned or denied.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
9. How did the Puritan God treat the elect? How did he treat the unregenerate?
In Puritan belief, the elect were the God's chosen people. For them God provided the opportunity to redeem themselves from sin. Also he would omit them from evil, danger, and destruction. As for the unregenerate, they weren't treated as well as the elect, as they were not the chosen people of God.
(Puritanism in New England)
10. What was the purpose of higher education for the Puritans? Hint: Harvard was founded for this reason.
The purpose for higher education was to understand "technologia." This was a combination of logic, and the Scripture and Nature of the New World. Harvard College was born as a study-house for "technologia." Also higher education was the foundation and the source of Puritan thinking.
(Education, Physical Education and Puritans)
11. What was the purpose of literacy for the Puritans?
The purpose for literacy for the Puritans was all about God. They believed that God was very mysterious and therefore they would bring Him out by literature. This makes God more relevant. Also literature was used as a method to glorify God to the public.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
12. How, specifically, did the Puritans view their relationship with God? Be sure to tell who is more active and who is more passive.
The Puritans believed that in their relationship with God, God was the authority figure. God had supreme control over human activities and their salvation. Because of this idea, peoples' religious beliefs came before their morals. Because Puritans were dependent on God, this made them more passive, while God was the active one.
(Puritanism in New England)
13. Why did the Puritans mostly write histories, journals, and poetry?
Puritans wrote mostly histories, journals and poetry because these genres flowed well with their lifestyle. Using these, the Puritans can write simple, Plain Style, yet still be effective. Puritans are people who live by function and meaning, these genres allow them to express these beliefs to the fullest. Also they wrote in this format because Puritan would a lot of times write about God, in which these genres got the point across the fastest.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
14. According to Puritans, what is humanity's role in the world?
Humanities only role on the world was to be devoted to God, and do his will. Also humans exist just for the glory of God. According to Puritans, humans are supposed to be completely selfless of them and be with God. Last but not least, Puritans, although inevitable, were not supposed to commit any sins.
(Pilgrims, Puritans, and the ideology that is their American legacy)
15. Name at least three social causes for the lack of confidence that helped cause the Salem witch trials.
First and foremost, Indian attacks were a commonality, and because of the constant threat of terror, Puritans didn't have the best confidence. Also, they thought God was punishing them for all the misfortune that had happened to them, for example, the Indian attacks. Lastly, the Puritans felt less devoted to God as they realized God controls their lives in every way.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
16. Name at least four characteristics of a "good Puritan."
One characteristic of a "good" Puritan was selflessness as they must give themselves up for God. Another characteristic would be simplicity, for example, the Plain Style text that they used. Devotion to God would also be a characteristic, as without God, the Puritan would be nothing. Lastly, having a kind gesture and heart was important.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
17. Name at least three characteristics of Puritan writing, including the style used.
Puritan literature strictly used Plain Style for their writings. Usually, the puritan writers have nothing to do with the outside world. Because of this, the style was extremely normal. The pieces had symbolism and had references to sermons and the Geneva Bible.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
18. Name at least three reasons the Puritans survived to establish our country, while the Jamestown settlement ultimately failed.
The society of the Puritans and the Jamestown settlement were different in many ways. For one, Puritans supplied their own agriculture, leading them to be self-sufficient, while the Jamestown colony was dependent on England for their agricultural needs. Also, Puritans cooperated with the Indians more than the Jamestown settlement; this allowed the Puritans to be friends with people who were knowledgeable with the native area. Furthermore, Puritans were better bonded and more of a tight-knit community focusing on agriculture and religion, while the Jamestown colony was made for the sole purpose of making money fast (gold).
(Colonial America)
19. How many people were convicted of witchcraft in Salem?
A total of 185 people were accused of witchcraft in Salem. However, out of the 185, only 59 (both men and women) were tried. And out of those who were tried, 31 people were convicted of witchcraft. 19 people out of the 31 were later executed.
(The Salem Witch Trials)
20. How many men were convicted? How many women? Why was one man crushed?
There were a total of 141 women and 44 men who were accused. Both men and women were found to be guilty. Out of the 185 people, 26 women and 5 men were convicted of witchcraft in Salem. Giles Corey was crushed to death by stone weights because he refused to enter a plea.
(The Salem Witch Trials)
21. Who was the first person convicted of witchcraft?
Bridget Bishop was the first of many to be convicted of witchcraft. She died on June 10th as she was hanged on Gallows Hill in Salem Town. Before her death, she fought against the court for her freedom. However, the courts deemed her guilty and she was later hanged.
(The Salem Witch Trials)
Questions on Individual Assigned Puritans
22. Describe what you believe to be the most important day in your assigned Puritan's life.
The most important day for Abigail Hobbs would have to be when she admitted to her crimes. The exact date for this would be April 19th, 1692. I think this is the most important day because of the decision process that she must have been though to make up her mind on admitting to the crime. Ultimately, this day would be the foundation that would affect whether or not she would be guilty or not guilty.
(Abigail Hobbs)
23. For this question, depart from the short answer format. In as much detail as possible, give a timeline of the day you chose.
1. John Hawthorn and others examine and question Abigail Hobbs, in which she gives
straight answers.
2. The many questions continued, until she was taken deaf.
3. Sarah Good and Sarah Osborn, run their fingers through the examinants.
4. She denied speaking to Sarah Good, so she was taken away from the court.
5. The people with Abigail Hobbs apologized for her actions.
(Abigail Hobbs)
24. What Puritan ideas might have played a part in the day mentioned? Tell why at least three ideas might have played a role.
One idea that relates to the Puritan idea of a supernatural being controlling humans is that Abigail Hobbs thought that the devil, a supernatural being, was controlling her. Another is that, Puritans believe that they were born sinful, that is why Hobbs is being so straightforward. Although she has committed a sin, she knows that she was born that way. Finally, Puritans believe that God only saves the people that he wishes to do so; because of this, Hobbs knows from the beginning she will not be saved.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)
25. Describe the most interesting source of tension in your Puritan's life.
What about the day intrigues you the most, and why?
I think that the source of tension in this day is her examiner, John Hawthorn. He is constantly asking questions, putting Hobbs on the spot. However, this is rather normal because all examinations have the questioner providing the tension to the subject. One thing that intrigues me is how cooperative and honest Hobbs is being.
(Abigail Hobbs)
26. If you were your Puritan (or if you wanted your Puritan's story told), what would you want the world to know?
If I were a Puritan, I would let the world know that I wasn't in control of my actions. Rather, God controlled every aspect of my life. This would be important then, when troublesome situations arise, it can be blamed on God's doing. I think that Abigail Hobbs and other examinants should have used this excuse.
(Chapter 1: American Puritanism: A Brief Introduction)