TRADITIONS OF PURITANISM IN THE MID-20 TH CENTURY AMERICAN NOVEL: LEGACY, DIALOGUE AND DEBATE

Abstract

Abstract. The paper explores the evolution and transformation of Puritan ethical and moral principles in the
mid-20 th century American literature as represented by novels of John Cheever and John Updike providing both idealized and revisionist insight into traditional Puritan values that form the foundation of American culture. The key tenets of Puritanism underwent profound rethinking and revision throughout the history of American literature. The interpretation of the worldly asceticism concept in the new historical context is discussed as the key component in the revision of Puritan legacy. The analysis of alternative perspectives on desacralization of daily life in the works of heever and Updike reveals different paths they take for a continued dialogue with the tradition. John Cheever is nostalgic about the long lost simplicity and meaning of the bygone life, while John Updike turns to Karl Barth’s theology to prove the moral ineptitude of worldly asceticism in the modern world.
Key words: tradition, Puritanism, worldly asceticism, John Updike, John Cheever.