Views of Anne Hutchinson : 9/27/10

     After reading various materials about Anne Hutchinson and the Puritans, I noticed one very interesting point: articles that mention Hutchinson are either positive or negative.  For instance, when reading Anne Marbury Hutchinson Against the Massachusetts Bay Colony, by Davida Crabtree, her article states: "Contrary to the understanding provided by most male historians, we assert that Mrs. Hutchinson was no more than a fanatic than anyone else living in seventeenth century Massachusetts" (27)  Obviously, Crabtree is pro-Hutchinson.  Therefore, her article's perspective focuses on Hutchinson in a positive way.  However, in Jim Cullen's, The American Dream, the text reads, "The most vocal proponent was . . . Anne Hutchinson . . . whose controversial views on the subject [antinomianism] led to her trial . . ." (27).  While Cullen's view doesn't necessarily give of a negative air, his brief statement gives Hutchinson's argument no justice.  His lack of information causes the reader to guess whether Hutchinson was right or wrong for beginning her movement.  In either case, Anne Hutchinson has been and will continue to be viewed upon in various ways.