Anne Bradstreet1612-1672

Bradstreet’s Life

The apple of her father’s eye, she had more education than typical women of the time.

Married Simon Bradstreet at 16; a year later they set sail for the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

“Her heart rose in resistance” to the New World.

Life in Massachusetts was very difficult and harsh; people struggled to survive.

Bradstreet was a very fragile woman, though she risked childbirth 8 times.

• She was troubled about the “truth of the Scriptures.”

• She took her consolation from “wondrous works.”

• Her brother-in-law published the first volume of her poetry without her knowledge; however, it was well-received.

• Her poetry was the first volume to be published by an American resident.

• Her poetry reflected her “concern for her family and home and the pleasures she took in everyday life.”

“Before the Birth of One of Her Children”

Who is she talking about when she says “we”?

“All things in this fading world hath end…”

She seems unsure if she will survive this birth and wants to leave some words to her children.

“That when that knot’s untied that made us one…”

What is she praying will happen if she dies?

What phrases show that she is expecting death?

“To My Dear and Loving Husband”

Ultimate love letter

“I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold.”

“Thy love is such I can no way repay…”

“…in love let’s so persevere…”

“Here Follow Some Verses upon the

Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666

“The flame consume my dwelling place.”

“It was His own, it was not mine…” What is she trying to convince herself?

What are the things she will miss?

“There’s wealth enough, I need no more…”

“My hope and treasure lies above.”