Question

which statement best explains why edwards repeats the image of fire throughout \sinners in the hands of an angry god\?

he wants to remind the congregation that there is fire in hell.
he wants to increase his audiences fear of hell.
he wants to make fire seem less unusual to the listener.
he wants to provide evidence that there is fire in hell.

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: inferential comprehension and textual evidence

Step 1: Analyze the author's purpose and rhetorical strategy

In his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Jonathan Edwards uses vivid, terrifying imagery—specifically the recurring image of fire, brimstone, and the gaping pit of hell—to appeal to his audience's emotions. This rhetorical strategy is known as pathos, specifically designed to evoke fear.

Step 2: Evaluate the options

• "He wants to remind the congregation that there is fire in hell." — While literal, this is not the primary rhetorical purpose of repeating the imagery throughout the sermon.
• "He wants to increase his audience's fear of hell." — This aligns directly with the Great Awakening style of preaching, where ministers used fear of eternal damnation to shock listeners into seeking salvation.
• "He wants to make fire seem less unusual to the listener." — Desensitizing the audience to fire would decrease the emotional impact, which is the opposite of his goal.
• "He wants to provide evidence that there is fire in hell." — Repetitive imagery is a literary and persuasive device, not logical or empirical evidence.

Answer:

He wants to increase his audience's fear of hell.