Who knew the 17th-century Puritans could rock a boatload of controversy way more than your average subreddit? 'The Wordy Shipmates' by Sarah Vowell, published in 2008, sets sail on an intriguing exploration of the group who set camp in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These English expatriates, fleeing for their religious ideas rather than suddenly sprouting patriotism, landed on American soil in the early 1600s. The book dives deep into their writings, sermons, and documents to understand their contentious and often misunderstood culture.
Among the Puritans, the emphasis was on community and the will of God, governed by the infamous John Winthrop. Vowell portrays these puritans as thinkers who were both idealistic and flawed, a narrative a little unsettling for those who prefer their history clothed in heroism. Yet what makes the book fun and slightly acrid is how it challenges the status quo, especially the neat and tidy stories we tell ourselves about early America. Most history buffs and casual enjoyers of historical narrative will appreciate Vowell’s witty analysis, but it's important to remember that her portrayal isn’t all sunshine and rainbows—there are enough thorns in there for anyone to prick themselves on.
What makes 'The Wordy Shipmates' especially charming is not only its ability to shine light on a dense historical period with sharp insights but also through Vowell's storytelling flair. You see, much of history is whitewashed by academics with politically correct brushes. Vowell isn’t afraid to admit it. Instead, she spills all the historical tea, embroiled with a dash of snark and a fair bit of skepticism. Naturally, the left-leaning crowd may not appreciate a non-pedicured stroll down their idealistic Meadow Lane but isn’t it the controversies that make history interesting?
Let’s talk about community. John Winthrop’s 'A Modell of Christian Charity' called for a society bonded under a single purpose. The puritanical idea of a 'city upon a hill' feels like a bit of a fairy tale when we remember how exclusionary and righteous it actually was. To say the least, this society had strict codes of behavior. Thus, deviating from their path was frowned upon like pineapple on pizza at an Italian dinner. Yet, the notion of America being an exemplary nation tethered to the legacy of these early settlers sticks out like a sore thumb at the time’s narrative. Did you need to have saintly qualities to reach heaven? Apparently, if you were not God-appointed Puritans, the gates were tough to crack.
And when you think about the liberal argument that empathy is king, the Massachusetts Bay Colony would respond, 'know thy neighbor... but only if they align with thy faith.' And while Vowell doesn't necessarily lean into the Puritans as the foundation for societal hysteria, the juxtaposition she presents is rather clear. Her words are spoken loudly by the likes of figures such as Anne Hutchinson—a threat to the Puritan orthodoxy—who was banished on account of her progressive (or simply differentiated) religious views. Challenging the status quo was indeed a dangerous pastime; you’d better clad yourself in armor or risk chilling out with real wolves in exile.
That brings us to education and rhetoric. What's the point of all those lengthy sermons and copious documents? Well, literacy was quite the tool for indoctrination into religious dogma. It was the word, after all, that stitched their narratives, fostered their beliefs, and smoked out dissent. Thus, 'The Wordy Shipmates' becomes more than just another historical recount—it holds doors open to intense dialogue on how words govern societies and build nations.
But let's not sugarcoat this vessel's entire crew. The Puritans weren’t exactly forthcoming with their ship’s manifesto. Tolerance, diversity, and acceptance weren’t exactly their buzzwords. Disagreement or alternative views? Pack your bags! In many views, Puritanism was less about freedom and more about controlling chaos under strict societal norms. Some might say it sounds like the political climate today, but hey, that’s a stormy discussion for another article.
Vowell's book is both a window and a mirror. It provides an in-depth glimpse into a significant era in American history while simultaneously offering reflections on today's socio-political fabric. As you navigate through 'The Wordy Shipmates,' remember to keep the sails unfurled, watch out for the stormy historical seas, and like a pirate on lookout duty, be prepared to chuckle or heckle at the sharp turns of narrative Vowell delivers along the way.