Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet is considered a forward thinker and true poetic writer for the seventeenth century time period. She exhibits a strong Puritan voice, yet also relays her struggles as she tries to understand her new life in America. Bradstreet is one of the first notable poets to write English verse in the American colonies. Bradstreet's work symbolizes both her Puritan and feminine ideals and can appeal to a wide audience of readers.

During Bradstreet's life, American Puritan culture was relatively unstable, with various undeveloped formations of social, political, and religious powers competing publicly. Her thoughts are usually on the reality surrounding her or images from the Bible. Bradstreet's writing is that of her personal experiences as a new settler in America who is living the Puritan life.

Anne Bradstreet, unlike many women of her time, was well educated. Baym indicates that Bradstreet's father considered education to be of extreme importance and ensured that his daughter received a higher education than most females (97). Bradstreet shows her education in many of her works, including "Contemplations" where she is able to quote Bible verses, and make comparisons with Greek mythology. According to Mingiuc, reading was the most important part of education (2011). The Puritans were the first to offer free schooling to children, with a special focus on reading. Interestingly, Mingiuc indicates that writing was not considered as important as reading which led to being able to read the Bible (2011). However, Bradstreet is considered a great poet with a high level of writing ability.

During this time period, some Puritans were separating themselves from other churches whose ideas were not as absolute. Puritans adopted certain beliefs, including, a Reformed theology, with an opposition to formal procedures and an emphasis on preaching. Thus, it is interesting that Bradstreet made so many references to Greek mythology, including references in her works "The Prologue" and "Contemplations". Puritans during this time period did not tend to divulge their thinking about other religions. Bradstreet's inclusion of both the Bible and Greek mythology could be looked at as irreverent. In addition, Bradstreet actually states that she questioned the idea of miracles and God (Baym 113). Puritans set absolute beliefs, such as men being the head of the household, and the devil being responsible for all forms of evil (Morgan 1966).

Though Anne Bradstreet's poetry contains some controversial and perhaps offensive elements for this time, the content also includes family devotion and religious praises. Passionate love is depicted in "To My Dear and Loving Husband" where Bradstreet presents a love poem that is lyrical yet simple, and though has the religious element of prayer, is universal and