Broadsides contained reoccurring topics, such as earthquakes, murder, and monstrous births. The Early Americans assigned religious reasons to mysterious happenings and considered it God’s divine intervention. They were extremely superstitious, and their fears were reflected in the broadsides. The Early Americans were threatened and fearful of eternal damnation. God’s displeasure and subsequent punishment were reoccurring themes in Early American broadsides. As a result, broadsides often contained Biblical subtexts and moral lessons. They provided advice about how to live a virtuous life. Broadsides warned against the dangerous of common sins, such as immodesty, gambling, lying, and not fearing the Lord.
Illustration:
“Ch. 31 The Wonder of Wonders.” Pack of Autolycus. Ed. Hyder Edward Rollins. Whitefish: Kessinger Publishing, LLC., 2003. 185-190. Print.
Illustration:
“Ch. 31 The Wonder of Wonders.” Pack of Autolycus. Ed. Hyder Edward Rollins. Whitefish: Kessinger Publishing, LLC., 2003. 185-190. Print.