Example: Predictions Using Evidence

S. Wilson
2nd Period
Religious Revivals
Independence Hall Association

(www.ushistory.org)

In a review about religion in the 1800s entitled Religious Revivals, the authors at
the Independence Hall Association wrote that American evangelists began preaching a
message of hope and opportunity to New England parishioners. Where once men and
women were taught about predestination and told that their judgment after death had
already been decided, revivalists proclaimed that man can achieve his own
salvation.

Because of this widespread hope stemming from the belief that an individuals actions
are truly what decide whether an individual finds heaven or hell after death, I predict that
authors during this era might put more emphasis on a characters actions rather than
appearances. Also, authors of this time might write stories which contain man vs self
conflict where the character struggles with evil or morality. Because religious revival is
such an important aspect of American culture during this time, the language used by
authors might reflect this interest in religion and be similar to that found in the Bible or
more serious to convey a spiritual meaning.