Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
Introduction
In most literary works, authors employ a wide range of writing styles to enhance the effectiveness of the message and evoke relevant response from the audience. Use of styles is also imperative in developing the plot of a given piece of literature. In particular, imagery, repetition, symbolism and description have been cited as the most common styles that are employed by writers in achieving pathos. It is against this background that this paper provides and intrinsic analysis of descriptive metaphor as it has been used by Edward to scare his congregation in to salvation in Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.
To begin with, Edwards likens sin to “bitter and poisonous fruit” (Edwards 194) that has adverse implications on the life of man. By using this, he manages to inform his audience that if they dwell in sin, they would certainly loose the favor of God. Sin in this regard is considered a denial and defilement of God’s word and teaching. This sis detrimental as it attracts punishment from God.
In addition, it is worth noting that the society within which Edward’s church was situated was entirely agrarian. It is for this reason that he equated sinners to “chaff of the summer threshing floor” (Edwards 199). This illustrates that the sinners are powerless and liable to the fury of God, just like the chaff is vulnerable to the forces of the wind. In addition, this was also aimed at ascertaining to the sinners their insignificance before God. Notably, by comparing the sinners to the garbage, Edwards succeeded in instilling in them a sense of fear that undoubtedly made them change their mind with respect to salvation.
Further, Edwards likens the power of God to a great storm. Divine fury in this regard is compared to black clouds that characterize a big thunder. During the time that the sermon was delivered, thunderstorm was very frightening and farmers were particularly afraid of it because of the implications that it had on their crops. The crop damage that was caused by it threatened the very survival of farmers because of the adverse effects on their sources of livelihood. In addition, great thunderstorms had the capacity to damage property and destroy homes in urban areas.
By comparing this to God’s wrath, Edwards managed to give the audience an image of the implications of sin. This was sufficient in influencing them to change their ways and embrace salvation. Finally, in a bit to remind the listeners about their degree of reliance to God and vulnerability to punishment, Edwards cites that God holds human souls over the fires of hell “much as one holds a spider or some loathsome insect over the fire” (Edwards 200). This is also a classic illustration of the power of God and the extreme measures that he can take to punish the sinners.
Conclusion
Rhetoric devices are usually employed in literature for different purposes. Apart from aiding in the development of plot, these are instrumental in evoking relevant response from the audience. Of great importance however is their effectiveness in delivering the desired information. In his Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Edwards utilizes descriptive metaphors to scare his audience in to salvation. It is certain that the use of “thunderstorm” and “chaff” succeeds in instilling fear in the audience.
Work Cited
Edwards, Jonathan. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. USA: Norton & Company, 2008.
