Analysis Of Anne Bradstreet 's Poetry

If you happen to be a literary enthusiast, you might already know of her. This noted poetic genius was recognized as the first woman to be published as a talented New World Poet. This brilliant woman by the name of Anne Bradstreet made a step forward for women, her accomplishments were an inspiration; she strove to have a voice in a world where women were not acknowledged. Intelligence was not widely considered important for women at this time, but Bradstreet fought those norms. This early feminist icon stayed true to her values and lives on through her work today. In her writings, there are strong themes concerning love and religion. Her creativity allowed her to transform her experience and values into works of literary art. There are many instances of domestic and theological imagery within Bradstreet’s poems and pieces. Her role as a daughter, mother, and wife shaped her writing, as well as her strong, Protestant beliefs. She was devoted to both her family and her religion. Bradstreet brings together a blend of both domestic and theological imagery to provide deeper meaning and thoroughly convey her truth in her series of poems and letters.

In Kimberly Latta’s “Such Is My Bond”, she examines Anne Bradstreet’s writing and brings to light and explores the ideas that Bradstreet conveys in her works. In Bradstreet’s “To Her Father with Some Verses”, she addresses the debt that she owes to God. She has a debt that she must repay as no one else can, but she cannot pay until she dies. Bradstreet uses the term bonds to exemplify her debt, a common term modernly used in relation to finance. This debt, however, is not owed to a bank, but it is owed to the God in which she, as a Protestant Christian, worships. Latta articulates the idea that Protestant writers commonly tied together physical things to those which are spiritual. Looping back to what was previously stated, Bradstreet compares her everyday life, with her duties and obligations, to debt that is to be repaid to God. Latta examines the idea that constantly relates everyday occurrences to spirituality produces the ability to separate the two, despite the fact that this idea is denied the very moment it begins. Latta further writes about Bradstreet’s binding of everyday life to religion. 

In Bradstreet’s “To My Dear and Loving Husband”, she writes to her husband about how she treasures their relationship, and how she desires to continue it on into the afterlife. Bradstreet writes about how much she loves her husband, and if it were possible for two people to be conjoined, then they surely would. She compares her love to a thirst that even rivers cannot quench, and the only way to fulfill her thirst is to be loved by her husband. Bradstreet also compares her love as a prized possession, referring it to mines full of gold. These instances of imagery provide the domestic aspect within this poem. Bradstreet further writes about how the love her husband gives her cannot be repaid, but she hopes that heaven will repay him kindly for the love that he has given her. Furthermore, Bradstreet writes about how she wants her love with her husband to live on forever, possibly meaning two things. One thing being that she desires to live on in the afterlife with her loving husband, another being that the love she and her husband share will live on in the words of others, hoping that others notice how strong their love is. These lines show elements of theological imagery used to describe her relationship in a religious light.

In Bradstreet’s “Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of our House, July 10th, 1666”, she writes with much more religious connotation. She begins the poem by writing about how she is abruptly awoken by the loudness of a fire and the screaming of the word fire. Upon learning of the fire in her home, Bradstreet cries to God for help in this troubling time and requests comfort and safety. After safely retreating from her house, Bradstreet, in distress, can no longer look at her house and its belongings remaining as dust. She thanks God for saving her, and she writes about how the house she lived in belonged to God, so she must not fret about the loss of the house. Given that the house belonged to God, Bradstreet feels that his actions were justifiable, and appreciates that God left sufficient means for Bradstreet and her family. As she speaks about God, this provides the theological aspect within this poem. Moreover, Bradstreet writes about her losses, stating that there will no longer be pleasant conversations held at the table, nor is there a place to hold guests. She begins to say goodbye to her house, her belongings, and her connection to material items. Bradstreet notices that these physical things mean nothing, and concluding her poem, she writes that her true treasure lies not in the house she lived in, nor in the material items she possessed, but in heaven. In these lines, she is speaking about her physical household, which shows domestic imagery.

In Bradstreet’s “Letter: To My Dear Children”, she writes to her children a letter to read for guidance after she has passed. To begin this letter, she writes a short poem pertaining to the ideas to be expected in her letter. In Bradstreet’s letter, we get a look into her life as a whole and the ups and downs that came with it. She writes this letter in hopes to help her children gain an advantage with God by understanding the practices in which they should participate. Bradstreet writes about her experience with smallpox, claiming that God gave it to her as punishment for her loose relationship with God and her growing relationship with materialism. After this, she became closer to God and asked for restoration, which she received. She writes this to show her children the power of God, and the reason to avoid sin, as well as showing the mercy he has for his followers. To elaborate on God’s mercy, Bradstreet writes about what to do in the event of discipline from God. She writes that you should take his punishment with joy, knowing that you will benefit from his punishment, that he will light a path for you to follow while being hidden simultaneously.  Bradstreet wraps up her letter by telling her children about the ever-changing world and its growing apart from God. She writes that while the world around them is changing, it is important to stay loyal to God, despite others' actions seemingly against it. This letter contains a plethora of both domestic and theological imagery, but in this piece, it is very blended. She speaks to her children about both the physical world and the religious values she desires her children to carry with them.

All things considered, Anne Bradstreet, in all of her works, reflects her deep relationships with God, her husband, and her children. Her poems and letters not only use domestic and theological imagery, but push the boundaries on what feelings a small poem can evoke. Her readers can truly see the meanings behind the images she provides, as well as how much she believes in her religion and the extent to which she cares for her family. She managed to overcome the gender norms of her time whilst creating true works of art that would make history and forever be cherished in the hearts of those who genuinely value literature.