To My Dear and Loving Husband, Anne Bradstreet

Sanne Bergh
Eng48A
Journal for Bradstreet
Nov. 29, 2011

Author Quote
"If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye woman, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold"

Anne Bradstreet

Internet Quote
Due to her family's position she grew up under privileged circumstances and was a well-educated woman for her time, being tutored in history, several languages and literature.

Brief Summary
Anne Bradstreet was a well-educated woman, who also had eight children and a husband whom she valued greatly. She loves her husband, who also held a high social ranking and could support his wife.

Reaction/Response
Anne Bradstreet is an extraordinary author because she was one of the first female poets in the New World and Europe. I find it ironic that a woman who should be able to support herself, relies so heavily on a man. However, to be married and to have children is the social custom and she would probably be dubbed a witch or a sinner if she were to actually support herself. Although, it is important to point out that her self-reliance is completely possible. In Frederick Douglass' autobiography, it is noted that it is dangerous to teach a slave to read. For women, who have also faced social injustices, I find it amazing that a female Puritan in the New World would be highly educated. Although, women are similar to slaves because they have kept their mouths shut for a long time when it comes to their rights. It seems as though Anne Bradstreet was setting the stage for future feminists who would later use her life as an example. The example being that women can truly "have it all". For example, Bradstreet had an education, a successful writing career as well as eight children, and apparently a loving husband. Alternatively, perhaps the poem could be an example of satire. It seems that she is heavily weighing in on the idea of her husband being grand and amazing. Perhaps she is purposely being ironic. To compare oneself to her husband, and stating that she is not worth a man's value, is part of the Puritan's patriarchal structured beliefs. However, it is obvious with her inherent education and capability that she has equal, if not more, value. I personally believe that Bradstreet was quietly pushing for female rights and that her poetry was a form of satirical emotional expression.