I have found it interesting as I read the selections of Anne Bradstreet et al, that although life was very hard for these people, it was less self-centered than our life today. As I read these excerpts, I have to remember that at least in New England, the people in these colonies came for specific reasons - puritanistic lifestyles, focus on God and religious beliefs, and true relationships with their fellow men. They appeared to be 'content' with their simpler lifestyles. I don't know how easy it would be some of us to live simplistically today.
I agree also with what has been said throughout the posts about John and Abigail Adams. They had such an incredible relationship with each other - love, trust, support - throughout all their trials. I love reading the letters that John wrote to his wife. When was the last time most of us wrote a love letter or any type of letter where we poured out our inner most feelings to our spouse or best friend? Too bad not every relationship in today's society has that type of love.
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I'll be the first, and maybe only, dissenter. I'm not completely devoid of sentimentality, but the John and Abigail love letters gag me. It did occur to me that if my sweetheart wrote some of the same things to me I'd feel differently, but I thought it was icky sweet. Maybe I'm a cynic, but I felt like a 10 year-old boy looking away from the screen when people kiss in a movie. Ann Houmand
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ReplyDeleteActually, I love the letters between John and Abigail. Letters are a lost art. I understand better now that I'm older, but I really like the idea of holding the words written by a loved one in their own handwriting.
ReplyDeleteI thought the letters between John and Abigail were a way for them to communicate. We have cell phones, texting, and the internet. When my husband leaves all he has to do is call to tell me or my children something. I would feel so alone if I was unable to speak or text him while he was on a simple week long trip-unlike John Adams who was gone for months at a time. I think it was therapy for Abigail to share with John everything that was going on with the children, the farm, politics and military events as they unfolded in Boston. John wrote letters giving lengthy instructions about the children, the farm, the help and expenses. He also warned her what to do as the war grew closer to Braintree. Abigail also wanted to be kept informed about what was going on in his political career.
ReplyDeleteIf either of them were upset about something they were able to share it through their letters and the mushy stuff helped keep their distant relationship stronger....
What we would have missed if those letters hadn't been written! We would not have known about many of the things that went on during that time in history in our country. We would not have known what a brilliant person John Adams was, and how sensitive he was to other peoples opinions of him. We wouldn't have know of the love and faithfulness of John and Abigail. I'm sure glad for those letters.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the letters between John and Abigail. We learn so much more than just their relationship from them. Does anyone even write letters anymore? I too think it is a lost art and letters also provide us with great primary source information. Texting and e-mail will be lost in cyber space.
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