Question

Edwards preaches, "You are ten thousand times so abominable in his eyes, as the most hateful and venomous serpent is in ours." Identify the ​connotations​ in this statement and explain what these connotations reinforce in Edward’s message. How might the conditions of colonial life have contributed to the impact of Edward’s message?

Answer 1

The connotations in Edwards' statement reinforce a sense of extreme abomination and dehumanization. The conditions of colonial life would have contributed to the impact of Edwards' message by making people more receptive to his warnings about the consequences of sin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The connotations in Edwards' statement reinforce a sense of extreme abomination and dehumanization. Comparing someone to a venomous serpent implies deep hatred and disgust. These connotations serve to emphasize the severity of sin and the need for repentance and salvation in Edwards' message. The conditions of colonial life, with its hardships and dangers, would have heightened the impact of Edwards' message as it played into people's fears and anxieties, making them more receptive to his warnings about the consequences of sin.