Pilgrim paths: the road in early Puritan writing

Abstract

The motif of the road has played a crucial role in both Western and Eastern literary traditions, symbolizing physical journeys, spiritual quests, and moral trials. In early American colonial literature, particularly within Puritan writings, the road embodies a distinct spiritual and moral dimension, serving as both a metaphor for divine providence and a test of faith. For Puritans, migration to the New World was not merely a geographical relocation but a divinely ordained journey toward establishing a godly society. The road thus becomes a symbol of spiritual pilgrimage, reflecting struggles with sin, perseverance in faith, and ultimate redemption. This study examines the evolution of the road motif in Puritan literature, tracing its connections to earlier traditions, including biblical narratives, medieval Christian allegories, and European pilgrimage literature. John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" (1678) had a profound influence on Puritan thought, portraying the road as a space of moral testing and divine grace. Similarly, the writings of William Bradford and Cotton Mather depict the Puritan journey as an arduous path filled with trials that mirror both individual and communal struggles for spiritual fulfillment. By analyzing these texts, the paper highlights how the road in colonial Puritan literature reflects both personal and collective experiences of faith, hardship, and perseverance. It argues that the road functions as a significant symbol of spiritual aspiration and moral discipline, shaping Puritan identity and reinforcing their vision of the New World as a place of divine purpose and ultimate redemption.