Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet (March 8, 1612, in Northampton, England– September 16, 1672, in

North Andover, Massachusetts) was a prominent early English poet in North
America. She holds the distinction of being the first writer from England’s North
American colonies to be published. She is the first Puritan figure in American
Literature and notable for her large corpus of poetry, as well as personal writings
published posthumously. Her early works read in the style of Du Bartas, but her later
writings develop into her unique style of poetry which centers on her role as a mother,
her struggles with the sufferings of life, and her Puritan faith. Her first collection, The
Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America, was widely read in America and England.
• Genres:
-Elegies: Elegies are poems that memorialize deceased heroes or heroines.
Bradstreet composed elegies as part of her literary output before 1650. These
elegies often reflected her deep emotions and thoughts about loss, mortality,
and the passage of time.
-Quaternions: Quaternions refer to poems related to four-part phenomena.
While the exact nature of these quaternions is not specified, they likely
explored various themes or aspects in a structured manner. Bradstreet’s
exploration of quaternions allowed her to express her ideas and experiences
through poetic form.
-Plain and Puritan Themes: Anne Bradstreet’s writing style was characterized
by its plainness and Puritan sensibilities. She often grappled with religious
themes, personal struggles, and her role as a woman in a Puritan society. Her
poems reflected her strong Puritan faith, and she engaged with theological
concepts while also addressing everyday life and human emotions.
-Prose Works: In addition to poetry, Bradstreet wrote prose. Her collection
titled “Meditations” consisted of succinct and pithy aphorisms.

Anne Bradstreet’s ability to blend her personal experiences, faith, and literary
talent makes her a significant poet of her time.

• Writing Style: plainness and simplicity, puritan influence, personal and

intimate tone, nature imagery, love and marriage, and emotional depth. In
summary, Anne Bradstreet’s writing style combines simplicity, Puritan
spirituality, personal reflection, and a connection to nature.

• Achievements:
-First Published American Poet: Anne Bradstreet holds the distinction of being
the first published poet from England’s North American colonies. Her
 collection of poems, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America, was
published in 1650 in London.
-Literary Legacy: Bradstreet’s poetry explored themes of faith, love, family,
and the challenges of colonial life. Her writing style combined plainness with
emotional depth. Her work paved the way for future American poets and
contributed to the development of early American literature.
-Expression of Personal Experience: Through her poems, Bradstreet
expressed her personal experiences as a woman, wife, and mother. She
wrote about her struggles, joys, and spiritual reflections. Her ability to connect
with readers on an intimate level made her poetry relatable and enduring.
-Impact on Women Writers: As a female poet in a male-dominated society,
Bradstreet’s achievements were groundbreaking. Her success inspired other
women writers to pursue their literary aspirations. Her courage in expressing
her thoughts and emotions challenged societal norms.

In summary, Anne Bradstreet’s achievements include being the first published

American poet, leaving a lasting literary legacy, and breaking barriers for
women writers.

• Works:
▪ Before the Birth of One of Her Children (1666)
▪ An Exact Epitome of the Three First Monarchies (1650)
▪ Contemplations (poem) (1600s)
▪ The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America (1650)
▪ Before the Birth of One of Her Children
▪ A Dialogue between Old England and New
▪ A Letter to Her Husband, Absent upon Public Employment

▪ Awards: Lannan Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, Bollingen Prize

in American Poetry, National Book Critics Circle Award, and National Book
Award.