The Puritans were deeply committed to the Word, resembling literary critics in their devotion and scrutiny. This dedication reflects their rigorous approach to understanding texts and their significance, emphasizing the importance of interpretation and meaning in their practices.

In Thomas Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49," this idea may be explored through the characters and their interactions with communication and symbols. The emphasis on the Word suggests a critical view of reality, where language and meaning shape one's perception of the world, much like the Puritans' focus on scripture in their quest for understanding.