Religious Undertones

There are several instances throughout the book in which religious undertones are evident.  Some instances of these undertones are more apparent than others in the novel, and there are a number of reasons for this.  One of Catherine Maria Sedgwick’s main objectives in writing the novel is to portray the life of early colonists in the New World.  Naturally, as part of the background for describing these circumstances, it becomes necessary for Sedgwick to elaborate on the Puritan ideology, as well as their basic reasons for breaking from the Church of England to begin with. As opposed to other novels regarding the same time period, Sedgwick’s sympathetic approach to describing the lifestyle and interactions of the Pequot people, leads to a more critical portrayal of the Puritan ideals and principles.

             While religious undertones are rooted even in the background context of the novel, more specific instances of this are found within the plot itself, specifically in the contrast between Hope Leslie and Esther Downing. Esther is clearly portrayed as the model Puritan woman, exemplifying the religion’s standards and values. Hope’s character is depicted in a more secular fashion, which is perhaps the reason she is considered the less appropriate woman for Everell to marry. One somewhat ironic moment in the reading occurred when the sailors believe that Hope is resemblant of the Virgin Mary, of whom, next to Christ himself, many would consider one of the chief figureheads of Christianity.  I find it interesting that Hope was confused for the Virgin Mary as opposed to a more religious character such as Esther, something I believe Sedgwick specifically intended for in the novel.