Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: A Literary Masterpiece

What literary device is used in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"?

How does Jonathan Edwards disarm his audience throughout the text?

Literary Device in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"

Jonathan Edwards, in his renowned sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," utilizes a variety of literary techniques to captivate and unsettle his audience. One of the key literary devices he employs is hyperbole.

Throughout the sermon, Edwards vividly magnifies God's wrath to emphasize the severity of sin and the punishment that awaits sinners. For example, he paints a striking image by comparing God's power to that of effortlessly crushing a worm or cutting a fragile thread. This hyperbolic language serves to illustrate the immense power and authority of God over humanity's fate.

By using hyperbole, Edwards creates a sense of fear and urgency in his audience, compelling them to repent and turn to God for salvation. The exaggerated language heightens the emotional impact of his message and leaves a lasting impression on the listeners.