|
Poetry Book, Published In Boston, 1678
Photo courtesy of Library of
Congress.
Anne Bradstreet
Colonial Period Poet, 1612-1672
"Anne
Bradstreet, a lady born in England, the contemporary of John Milton, was the
first of our professional poets, and won fame above all other American
writers of her time. Daughter of one Puritan governor [Thomas Dudley], and
wife of another governor [Simon Bradstreet], she had every opportunity for
influence that eminent social position could give. Moreover, she had heroic
qualities. In spite of feeble health she reared a large family amid the
trials of the wilderness, and by her industry and talents compelled the
austere Puritans to recognize in her the most accomplished and most
influential woman of New England. Their praise of her was lavish; they named
her The Tenth Muse.
The first edition of her writings, printed in
1650, aroused such pride among the colonists as no other writings had called
forth. The volume contained a series of poems, with four related themes in
each poem. Its title, worthy of attention for its unique stateliness,
reveals ambitious effort. The title is:
"The Tenth Muse lately sprung up in America;
or, Several Poems, compiled with great variety of wit and learning, full of
delight. Wherein especially is contained a complete discourse and
description of the four elements, constitutions, ages of man, seasons of the
year; together with an exact epitome of the four monarchies, viz., the
Assyrian, Persian, Grecian, Roman; also a dialogue between Old England and
New concerning the late troubles; with diverse other pleasant and serious
poems: By a gentle woman of those parts."
The somber quality of Mrs. Bradstreet's verse
was not peculiar to her; it was the mannerism belonging to all the Puritan
writers. Her themes, historical and scientific, give her frequent
opportunity for religious reflection. In Contemplations, a poem written
later in life, she rids herself of some of her earlier mannerism, and
displays greater freedom of poetic feeling.
Source: English & American Literature, Shaw & Backus, p.397
Sample Works
Autumn
Contemplations
Mother's Epitaph
To My Dear And Loving Husband
Upon Some Distemper Of Body
Return to Boston Literature Page
|
|
