Which Image Is Used Throughout Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God To Provoke Fear In The Audience?A. Fire B. Arrows C. Insects D. Serpents
Introduction
In the realm of American literature, few sermons have had as profound an impact as Jonathan Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." Delivered in 1741, this iconic sermon is renowned for its vivid imagery and powerful oratory, which continue to captivate audiences to this day. One of the most striking aspects of the sermon is the use of imagery to provoke fear in the audience. In this article, we will explore the various images used by Edwards to convey the gravity of sin and the wrath of God.
The Importance of Imagery in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"
Imagery plays a crucial role in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," as Edwards employs a range of vivid and unsettling images to convey the consequences of sin. By using sensory details, Edwards creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, drawing his audience into the world of the sermon. This is particularly evident in the way Edwards describes the fate of the unrepentant sinner, who is "hanging by a slender thread" over the abyss of hell.
The Image of Fire
One of the most commonly cited images in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is that of fire. Edwards uses fire to convey the intense heat and passion of God's wrath, as well as the destructive power of sin. In one of the most famous passages of the sermon, Edwards writes:
"The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect, over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire, hence perhaps he may bring you into a hell of fire to be punished in the same way as he has already begun to punish you in the world."
The Image of Arrows
Another image used by Edwards is that of arrows. In this context, the arrows represent the judgments of God, which are swift and deadly. Edwards writes:
"The arrows of God's wrath are swift and deadly, and will pierce through the thickest armor of sin and rebellion. They will strike the unrepentant sinner with the force of a thousand hammers, and will leave him no room for escape or refuge."
The Image of Insects
Edwards also uses the image of insects to convey the idea of sin as a loathsome and detestable thing. In this context, the insects represent the tiny, insignificant creatures that are crushed beneath the heel of God's wrath. Edwards writes:
"You are like a spider, or some loathsome insect, that is held over the fire, and is about to be cast into it. You are like a worm, that is about to be trodden under the foot of the righteous."
The Image of Serpents
Finally, Edwards uses the image of serpents to convey the idea of sin as a sly and deceitful thing. In this context, the serpents represent the subtle and insidious nature of sin, which can creep into the heart of even the most righteous person. Edwards writes:
"The serpent is a subtle and cunning creature, that can creep into the heart of even the most righteous person, and can lead them astray with its deceitful ways. It is a creature that is full of guile and malice, and will stop at nothing to lead the unwary into the depths of sin and despair."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the image used throughout "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" to provoke fear in the audience is the image of fire. While Edwards also uses the images of arrows, insects, and serpents to convey the gravity of sin and the wrath of God, the image of fire is the most prominent and enduring of these images. By using sensory details and vivid imagery, Edwards creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, drawing his audience into the world of the sermon and leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
Answer
Q: What is the main theme of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"?
A: The main theme of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is the gravity of sin and the wrath of God. Edwards argues that sin is a serious offense against God, and that those who commit it will face severe punishment in the afterlife.
Q: What is the significance of the image of fire in the sermon?
A: The image of fire is significant in the sermon because it conveys the intense heat and passion of God's wrath. Edwards uses fire to describe the destruction of sin and the punishment of the unrepentant sinner.
Q: Why does Edwards use the image of arrows in the sermon?
A: Edwards uses the image of arrows to convey the idea that God's judgments are swift and deadly. He argues that the arrows of God's wrath will pierce through the thickest armor of sin and rebellion, leaving no room for escape or refuge.
Q: What is the significance of the image of insects in the sermon?
A: The image of insects is significant in the sermon because it conveys the idea that sin is a loathsome and detestable thing. Edwards uses the image of insects to describe the tiny, insignificant creatures that are crushed beneath the heel of God's wrath.
Q: Why does Edwards use the image of serpents in the sermon?
A: Edwards uses the image of serpents to convey the idea that sin is a sly and deceitful thing. He argues that the serpent is a subtle and cunning creature that can creep into the heart of even the most righteous person, leading them astray with its deceitful ways.
Q: What is the purpose of the sermon?
A: The purpose of the sermon is to awaken the audience to the gravity of sin and the wrath of God. Edwards argues that the unrepentant sinner is in grave danger of being cast into the abyss of hell, and that only repentance and faith in Christ can save them from this fate.
Q: Who is the target audience of the sermon?
A: The target audience of the sermon is the unrepentant sinner. Edwards argues that the sermon is addressed to those who are living in sin and rebellion against God, and that it is their duty to repent and turn to Christ.
Q: What is the historical context of the sermon?
A: The sermon was delivered in 1741, during the Great Awakening, a period of spiritual revival in American history. Edwards was a prominent figure in the Great Awakening, and his sermon was one of the most influential and enduring works of the movement.
Q: What is the literary style of the sermon?
A: The sermon is written in a style that is characteristic of Edwards' preaching. It is a passionate and emotive work, filled with vivid imagery and rhetorical flourishes. Edwards uses a range of literary devices, including metaphor, simile, and hyperbole, to convey the gravity of sin and the wrath of God.
Q: What is the impact of the sermon on American literature?
A: The sermon has had a profound impact on American literature. It is considered one of the greatest sermons in American history, and its influence can be seen in the work of many later writers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. The sermon's themes of sin, redemption, and the wrath of God continue to resonate with readers today.