1. Discuss, in “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” Edwards’ description of God’s wrath and Edwards’ use of the metaphors of storm and thunder, flood and fire.
"Discuss" means you need to write an essay on this topic. What don't you understand about this assignment?
Once you write your paper, you may post it here (but NOT the rough draft!) if you'd like feedback from one of our tutors.
I don't understand the story and the assignment
Make sure you read it several times, AND read the following, too:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinners_in_the_Hands_of_an_Angry_God
http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/sat2/history/chapter5section6.rhtml
https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Sinners_in_the_Hands_of_an_Angry_God.html
Then read it again with 4 blank pages next to you. Label the pages: one for God's wrath/anger; one for Storm/thunder; one for Flood; and one for Fire. As you read, make note of when each of these four ideas or images appear and briefly what Edwards is using that idea/image for.
Once you have your lists for each of the four, you'll be ready to start writing your paper explaining why Edwards used each of these four ideas/images.
The third link, redone:
http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Sinners_in_the_Hands_of_an_Angry_God.html
To discuss Jonathan Edwards' description of God's wrath and his use of metaphors in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," we need to locate and analyze the text. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do that:
1. Obtain a copy of the sermon: Look for a book or online source that features the complete text of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." This sermon was first delivered in 1741, so you might find it in collections of Edwards' works or in websites dedicated to historical sermons.
2. Read the sermon: Start by reading the entire sermon to get a complete understanding of Edwards' argument and the context in which the metaphors are used. Take notes and highlight key passages that relate to God's wrath, storms, thunder, floods, and fire.
3. Locate descriptions of God's wrath: Pay attention to how Edwards describes God's anger throughout the sermon. Look for vivid language and imagery that conveys a sense of impending doom and punishment for sinners.
4. Identify the metaphors: Focus on sections where Edwards uses metaphors like storms, thunder, floods, and fire. Note the specific contexts in which these metaphors are employed and how they contribute to the description of God's wrath.
5. Analyze the metaphors: Once you have identified the metaphors and their corresponding passages, analyze how Edwards utilizes them. Consider the effects these metaphors have on the audience, the emotions they evoke, and the overall message they convey about the consequences of sin.
6. Write your discussion: With a solid understanding of the text and your analysis of Edwards' use of metaphors, you can now discuss how he employs these metaphors to describe God's wrath. Explain how the metaphors intensify the message, create vivid imagery, and contribute to the sermon's overall rhetorical impact.
Remember, this process can be applied to other literary analyses as well. By locating the original text, carefully reading and annotating, and analyzing the techniques used by the author, you can effectively discuss and explain the intended meaning and literary devices employed.