Michael Wigglesworth was one of the earliest American poets whose works hold significant importance in the formation of early American literature. As a poet deeply tied to the Puritan tradition, his life and writings reflect the religious fervor and values of colonial New England. This article delves into Michael Wigglesworth’s early life, education, literary career, and the themes and style of his work. It will explore his emotional depth, innovative structure, notable poems, influence on American literature, and lasting legacy.
Early Life and Education
Michael Wigglesworth was born on November 29, 1631, in England. His family immigrated to America when he was still a young child, and they settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His early exposure to Puritan beliefs and the harsh realities of colonial life played a pivotal role in shaping both his worldview and his poetry. Wigglesworth’s formative years were marked by a deep immersion in the religious and cultural climate of the time, which was centered around strict Puritan principles. The influence of Puritanism on his work would become one of the key aspects that defined his literary output.
Wigglesworth’s education began at an early age. His father, Edward Wigglesworth, was a well-regarded minister in the colony, and Michael’s upbringing was filled with religious instruction. He was educated at home and received a strong foundation in the Bible, Latin, Greek, and the classics, which were all essential components of Puritan education. In 1651, at the age of 19, Michael entered Harvard College, where he received a formal education that further cemented his religious and intellectual background. It was at Harvard that he began to hone his skills as a writer and deepen his understanding of the theological and moral questions that would permeate his poetry.
Upon his graduation in 1655, Wigglesworth became a minister, following in the footsteps of his father. He was appointed to the pulpit in the town of Malden, Massachusetts, where he spent much of his life. As a minister, he was deeply involved in the religious life of the community, and his sermons often reflected his poetic sensibilities. His dual identity as a clergyman and poet would influence the tone and content of his literary work.
Literary Career
Michael Wigglesworth’s literary career is best defined by the monumental poem The Day of Doom, which was first published in 1662. This work is widely considered to be his magnum opus and remains one of the most famous poems of early American literature. The Day of Doom is a long, narrative poem that describes the Last Judgment and the fate of sinners. The poem, with its vivid descriptions of hellfire and divine retribution, reflects the Puritan obsession with sin and salvation.
Although The Day of Doom is his most famous work, Wigglesworth wrote several other poems throughout his life. His poetry often dealt with religious themes, exploring issues of sin, redemption, and the nature of God. He wrote in a straightforward, didactic style, aiming to educate and moralize as much as to entertain. His poems were not merely literary exercises but were seen as moral and religious tools designed to shape the lives of his readers.
Wigglesworth’s works were widely read in New England during his lifetime and for many years afterward. The Day of Doom went through multiple editions and remained in circulation for over a century, making Wigglesworth one of the most widely read American poets of the 17th century. His poems, which were often written in rhymed couplets, had a simple, direct style that made them accessible to a wide audience. He was part of a tradition of poets whose works were meant to serve as both spiritual and educational guides for the community.
Themes and Style
The themes of Michael Wigglesworth’s poetry are deeply rooted in the religious and cultural context of 17th century New England. As a Puritan poet, his works were often preoccupied with sin, salvation, and the ultimate judgment of mankind. The Day of Doom, for instance, explores the terrifying consequences of failing to live a righteous life and the certainty of divine retribution. The theme of the final judgment appears throughout his poetry, reflecting the Puritan belief in a just, all-powerful God who would reward the righteous and punish the wicked.
Wigglesworth’s style can be characterized by its simplicity, directness, and moral clarity. His poems were written in a straightforward, didactic manner that was intended to teach moral lessons to his audience. He employed a regular rhyme scheme and used clear, accessible language to ensure that his messages would reach both the educated and the uneducated alike. His style was functional and designed to serve a religious and didactic purpose, rather than to express individualistic or artistic self-expression.
In addition to his religious themes, Wigglesworth’s poetry often contains a strong sense of moral urgency. His poems call on readers to reflect on their spiritual state and consider their behavior in light of eternal consequences. This moralism is seen in his frequent use of vivid imagery, such as his graphic descriptions of hellfire and the suffering of the damned. At the same time, he often juxtaposes this with the image of the blessed, those who are rewarded for their virtuous lives.
Nature vs. Modernity
Although Wigglesworth’s poetry is often seen as deeply religious, it also reflects some of the tensions between nature and modernity. The Puritans in colonial America were constantly grappling with the challenges of adapting to a new world while holding on to their traditional values. This tension is evident in Wigglesworth’s work, where he frequently references the natural world as a means of illustrating divine truths. For instance, his descriptions of the natural world in his poetry often serve as metaphors for spiritual lessons, helping readers to see the hand of God in both the beauty and the danger of the natural world.
However, Wigglesworth’s work also reflects the tension between the natural world and the emerging modernity of colonial New England. His poetry is filled with references to the power and grandeur of nature, yet it also speaks to the fear of a changing world. As colonists dealt with the challenges of survival, Wigglesworth’s works offered them moral guidance in the face of both the natural world and the changing circumstances of modern life.
Emotional Depth
While Michael Wigglesworth’s poetry is often thought of as stern and moralistic, it also contains moments of emotional depth. His vivid descriptions of sin, suffering, and judgment convey a sense of urgency and fear, which reflect the emotional intensity of his religious beliefs. The emotional weight of his work comes through in his depictions of hell, the torments of the damned, and the stark contrast between the damned and the saved. His powerful imagery was meant to move his readers emotionally, not just intellectually.
The emotional depth of Wigglesworth’s work can also be seen in his portrayal of divine justice. The pain and suffering of sinners are described with graphic intensity, but these descriptions are always balanced by the belief that God’s justice is ultimately righteous and merciful. This creates a complex emotional landscape in his poems, where fear, sorrow, and hope are interwoven.
Innovative Structure
Michael Wigglesworth was not only an important poet for his thematic concerns but also for his innovative approach to poetic structure. While his style is straightforward and rooted in tradition, his use of structure was carefully crafted to enhance the moral impact of his poetry. For instance, The Day of Doom is written in rhymed couplets, a format that allows for a rhythmic, almost sing-song quality that makes the poem memorable and accessible. The structure of the poem reflects its didactic nature, with each section offering a clear moral lesson.
In addition to his use of rhyme, Wigglesworth often employed a repetitive structure that underscored the themes of judgment and salvation. Repetition served to reinforce the moral and theological points he was making, creating a rhythm of rising tension and ultimate resolution. His innovative use of structure made his poetry more effective in communicating its messages and ensuring that they would resonate with readers for generations to come.
Notable Poems
Among Wigglesworth’s many poems, The Day of Doom is by far his most famous and enduring work. This long narrative poem describes the Day of Judgment in vivid detail, with sinners suffering eternal damnation and the righteous being rewarded. The poem is filled with graphic descriptions of hellfire, torment, and divine retribution, and it reflects the Puritan worldview of a just and punishing God. The poem was immensely popular in its time, going through numerous editions and being widely read throughout New England.
Another significant poem by Wigglesworth is God’s Controversy with New-England, written in 1670. In this poem, Wigglesworth addresses the social and political issues facing the Puritan colony, including moral decay and the erosion of religious values. This work exemplifies his concerns about the state of New England and his desire for a return to stricter religious observance.
Influence on American Literature
Michael Wigglesworth’s influence on American literature is profound, especially in the context of early American religious poetry. His works were part of the foundational canon of colonial American writing and were widely read and admired for their moral clarity and emotional power. Wigglesworth’s focus on religious themes, his didactic style, and his use of vivid imagery helped shape the direction of American poetry in the 17th and 18th centuries.
His work paved the way for later poets who sought to explore themes of morality, faith, and the human condition. Figures such as Edward Taylor, Anne Bradstreet, and others in the Puritan tradition were influenced by Wigglesworth’s ability to combine theological rigor with poetic expression. His impact can also be seen in the work of later American writers who sought to engage with religious themes in more complex ways, including writers like Herman Melville and Emily Dickinson.
Legacy
Michael Wigglesworth’s legacy as a poet is largely tied to his role in the development of early American literature. Although his style may seem archaic to modern readers, his contributions to American poetry are undeniable. His work represents the intersection of religion, culture, and literature in colonial New England, and his poems reflect the concerns of a society grappling with the realities of a new world while trying to remain faithful to its religious convictions.
Today, Wigglesworth is remembered as one of the key figures in the history of American poetry. His works continue to be studied for their historical and literary significance, offering valuable insights into the religious and cultural life of 17th century New England. His poems, particularly The Day of Doom, remain enduring examples of early American literature, and his influence can be seen in the works of generations of poets who followed in his wake.
Conclusion
Michael Wigglesworth was a poet whose works embody the moral, religious, and emotional concerns of his time. His life and poetry are inseparable from the Puritan worldview that dominated colonial New England. His writings served not only as moral and religious instruction but also as an early example of American literature’s power to engage with profound themes of life, death, and salvation.
