Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God - Prewriting Assignment
-Jonathan Edwards
Introduction:
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.
Pre Writing Assignment (thesis statement & chosen metaphors):
To prepare for actually writing your essay in response to the above prompt, compose a thesis statement that directly and concisely answers the prompt. Also, determine which three metaphors you will discuss in the body of your essay.