A Narrative of the Lord's Wonderful Dealings with John Marrant, A Black

Definition

This narrative is an autobiographical account by John Marrant, a former slave who experienced a profound religious conversion during the Great Awakening. It details his spiritual journey, including his encounters with various communities and how he became a preacher, highlighting the intersection of race and religion in early America. Marrant's story reflects the broader impact of the Great Awakening on American literature, showcasing personal transformation and the quest for faith amidst social challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. John Marrant was born in 1755 in New York City and was of African descent, making his narrative one of the earliest known works by an African American writer.
2. His narrative describes how he was converted to Christianity after a near-death experience while being chased by a group of men in the woods.
3. Marrant became an influential preacher in both black and white communities, emphasizing the universality of salvation regardless of race.
4. The narrative served as an important text that illustrated how the Great Awakening opened up new opportunities for marginalized voices within American society.
5. Marrant's story highlights themes of perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of religion during a time of social upheaval in colonial America.

Review Questions

• How does John Marrant's narrative illustrate the themes of personal transformation and faith during the Great Awakening?
  • John Marrant's narrative vividly showcases his journey from being a young man struggling with his identity to becoming a dedicated preacher. His conversion experience during a life-threatening situation reflects the intense emotional and spiritual awakenings characteristic of the Great Awakening. Marrant's story exemplifies how personal experiences can lead to significant changes in beliefs and social roles, emphasizing that faith can transcend societal barriers.
• Discuss how Marrant’s narrative contributes to our understanding of racial dynamics in 18th-century America.
  • Marrant’s narrative offers insight into racial dynamics by presenting him as both a black man and a religious leader during a period when racial hierarchies were deeply entrenched. His ability to preach to diverse audiences highlights how the Great Awakening fostered environments where race could be momentarily set aside in favor of shared spiritual experiences. This challenges prevailing attitudes towards race at the time and shows how religion served as a means of agency for marginalized individuals.
• Evaluate the significance of John Marrant's narrative in shaping the landscape of early American literature and its themes.
  • John Marrant's narrative holds considerable significance as it represents one of the earliest literary contributions from an African American perspective. It challenges prevailing narratives by demonstrating that African Americans were not only participants in but also shapers of American religious life. The themes of faith, resilience, and social justice within Marrant’s work laid the groundwork for future African American literature, influencing writers who would continue to address issues of race and spirituality in their own narratives.

Related terms

Great Awakening:

A series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the 18th century that emphasized personal faith and emotional experience over traditional religious authority.

Autobiography: A self-written account of one's life, often focusing on personal experiences, beliefs, and reflections.

Religious Pluralism:

The coexistence of multiple religious beliefs and practices within a society, which was increasingly prominent during the Great Awakening.