One characteristic of the early new world puritans was

A high level of education.

Explanation:

The Puritans had a high level of education and because of that, they were famous for writing to provide spiritual insights and instructions to people. Puritans often wrote theological studies, hymns, histories, biographies, and autobiographies in journals or diaries.

Puritans also wrote poetry as a way of spiritual enlightenment. 

the word that best matches the meaning of the expression "went to the big ocean" is died.

the goldfish died, which is why the father looks at the children mournfully. the "big ocean" is the father's way of saying fish heaven. he could have just said that the goldfish died, but this way, the children imagine the fish in a bigger, better place instead of just picturing a dead fish.

explanation: