Anne Bradstreet: A Puritan Writer

Anne Bradstreet was not only typical of puritan writings, she was a puritan herself. In her poem My Dear Loving Husband, she indirectly cites Biblical doctrines that put man and woman together as the Creator intended. Moreover, she assures her beloved husband she loves him, and as such he should reciprocate. In so doing, they will have fulfilled the originally intended purpose of the book of Genesis. Further, she urges her husband to persevere as the Bible stipulates, so that should they die, they will have eternal life. That depicts her writings as being puritan (Sheick 166-181).

Puritanism in women writings was occasioned by an unmasked expression of innate feelings towards the society and their male counterparts. They penned sentiments they themselves feared to face head-on in the traditional male domineering society. Bradstreet, not being an exception, would put down on paper puzzling situations of her life. It is what drives her in My Dear Loving Husband to express with vigor, reservations to practicing infidelity while referring to the Biblical context. This was necessitated by the dogmatic Biblical belief misinterpreted by men, that women’s roles were supposed be confined to the kitchen. Thus she airs her sentiments in poetic forms, citing numerous Biblical verses to back her assertions (Sheick 166-181).

In Puritanism, bodily pleasures together with the worldly possessions are set aside, as they are perceived by puritans as an obstruction to spiritual nourishment. It is what motivates Bradstreet to denounce the wealth of the universe after her house caught fire. She advices materialistic men and women, that the universe and all its richness is vanity, and that they should shift their trust from money and property to the Creator of the universe (William and Howard 1-2).

Finally, Bradstreet consoles herself that there is a flawless afterlife awaiting her in heaven, she will get properties of wealth far more valuable than her burnt house. For she repeatedly affirms that God has reclaimed what He gave her (her house and all that was in it). In both grief and pleasure, she gives thanks to the King of the Universe (William and Howard 1-2). From the foregoing, it is irrefutable that Bradstreet’s writings are puritan.

Works Cited

Scheick, William J. Logonomic Conflict in Anne Bradstreet’s A Letter to Her Husband.             Essays in Literature 21 (2007): 166-181 06 Oct. 2012 <http://www.ebscohost.com>

William, Howard L. Here follows some Verses upon the Burning of Our House July 10^th,                  1666. Master plots II: Christian Literature (2007): 1-2. 06 Oct. 2012                            <http://www.ebscohost.com>.