The Puritan Love Story of John and Margaret Winthrop: How Their Letters Reflect the Dynamics of 17th Century Marriage, Women's Roles, and Early Colonial Postal System

Abstract

Due to popular historical fictions such as Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlett Letter, the contemporary world's understanding of Puritan life is rigid and austere. The meaningful letters of John and his wife, Margaret are first-hand accounts of 17th century life. Their intimate thoughts and expressions of deep love for each other alters the modern perceptions of Puritans. These letters gives insight to the normalcy of Puritan life such as marital dynamics between husband and wife and women's roles. This research utilizes John and Margaret Winthrop's love letters to expose a more accurate idea regarding the dynamics of a Puritan husband and wife, dive into the diverse duties of a Puritan wife, and shed light into the mechanics of an English colonial postal system.