A jeremiad is a long literary work, usually in prose but sometimes in verse, in which the author bitterly laments the state of society and its morals in a tone of sustained invective, always including a prophecy of the society's imminent downfall. The term has faded over time into a general expression for lament, often used with derogatory overtones, but it holds a distinct place in American culture, rooted in Colonial-era New England Puritan writing and tied to the idea of American exceptionalism.
Facts
Place of OriginNew England, North American colonies 1 Notable ExampleSinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards 1 Defining TraitA long literary work lamenting society's morals and prophesying its downfall 1 In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: New England, originated there.
Sources
1. Jeremiad - Wikipedia
Lead section, New England sentence
The jeremiad has a unique presence in American culture and in the history of the United States, having roots in Colonial-era settlers in New England.
Use in American culture section
The jeremiad was a favorite literary device of the Puritans, and was used in prominent early evangelical sermons like "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards.
Lead section, definition sentence
A jeremiad is a long literary work, usually in prose, but sometimes in verse, in which the author bitterly laments the state of society and its morals in a serious tone of sustained invective, and always contains a prophecy of society's imminent downfall.
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