American Literature
You have already read the sermon and completed a formal reading guide as part of the assignments for Lesson 4. Based on the reading and your notes consider that
Jonathan Edwards is considered one of the masters of figurative language. His use of vivid images and strong metaphors is very obvious in his sermon, “Sinners in the
Hands of an Angry God”, as he describes humans and hell. For example, he says, “Unconverted men walk over the pit of Hell on a rotten covering…”
Prompt:
From “Sinners” find three metaphors and explain (define) what Edwards mean by each. Using appropriate, convincing rhetoric explain whether or not his metaphors are
believable and appropriate? Explain whether or not his images are clear and effective. Finally, relate them to our lives today. Explain whether or not they create the
same feelings today as they did then.
