Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God Analysis Essay Example

they are small and helpless against the vengeful God.

Also in this section, Edwards compares God’s wrath to that of a fire. This statement is used to create a visual connection with the intensity of a fire to God’s intense wrath. Edwards is saying that God is not kind or forgiving to humans living in sin.By wording the statement this way, the audience can actually feel the flame of God’s wrath burning and heat of Hell. Another metaphor that Edwards uses is: “The wraths of God are great waters that are damned for the present…” In this passage, Edwards is communicating the vast expanse of God’s power. It is significant because it relates to the overall theme of this lecture: that no matter the situation, no man wants to suffer the wrath of God.

The goal is to make the audience feel God’s vast water rising higher and higher around them. As the water continues to flow, it becomes stronger until it overcomes the lives of the unsaved.It is effective visual imagery. The audience would see themselves treading water in a large ocean struggling to stay afloat.

Edwards’ intention is to scare the listener in order for them to fear God and follow the beliefs of the Puritan society. Finally, the following metaphor is used by Edwards to describe the urgency of his message: “The bow of God’s wrath is bent and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart…” This passage reflects the purpose of the sermon, specifically, that at an unexpected moment God will execute justice against mankind.It is, in essence, Edwards’ warning and a call

to action for his congregation. God’s “bow” is pulled tight and the “arrow” is the wrath that will be delivered. The metaphor means that God is ready and waiting to release that arrow which, effectively noted, is aimed at the listener’s heart. The audience is reminded of the fragility of their existence and how swiftly the may meet their maker.

The purpose of this line is to make the audience react quickly to repent and gain God’s forgiveness before it is too late.Through these, and many other metaphors contained within Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, audiences are persuaded through visual imagery. This visual imagery is still very much relevant in our country today. Similar to the time when this speech was first delivered, the United States is undergoing a major transition in government and foundation.

If delivered by a charismatic, but stern individual, these metaphors, and the overall message, have the potential of being as powerful and effective as they were over 200 years ago.In reading the sermon today, it still is effective in creating the same imagery and fear of an uncertain afterlife. In conclusion, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is a great example of early American literature. John Edwards created a powerful work and painted a terrifyingly visual picture for his audience that is still through provoking in this day.

The emotional language, strong imagery and metaphors will continue to prove effective for centuries to come.