Poetry in Puritan Era (British Literature and Culture)

 

British Literature and Culture

Name  : Muhammad Husain Nur Faiz Assyifa
NIM     : 2109010001

Poetry in Puritan Era

"Upon the Burning of Our House”
by Anne Bradstreet

 

In silent night when rest I took,
For sorrow near I did not look,
I waken'd was with thund'ring noise
And piteous shrieks of dreadful voice.
That fearful sound of "fire" and "fire,"
Let no man know is my Desire.
I starting up, the light did spy,
And to my God my heart did cry
To straighten me in my Distress
And not to leave me succourless.
Then coming out, behold a space
The flame consume my dwelling place.
And when I could no longer look,
I blest his grace that gave and took,
That laid my goods now in the dust.
Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just.
It was his own; it was not mine.
Far be it that I should repine,
He might of all justly bereft
But yet sufficient for us left.
When by the Ruins oft I past
My sorrowing eyes aside did cast
And here and there the places spy
Where oft I sate and long did lie.
Here stood that Trunk, and there that chest,
There lay that store I counted best,
My pleasant things in ashes lie
And them behold no more shall I.
Under the roof no guest shall sit,
Nor at thy Table eat a bit.
No pleasant talk shall 'ere be told
Nor things recounted done of old.
No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee,
Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee.
In silence ever shalt thou lie.
Adieu, Adieu, All's Vanity.
Then straight I 'gin my heart to chide:
And did thy wealth on earth abide,
Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust,
The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?
Raise up thy thoughts above the sky
That dunghill mists away may fly.
Thou hast a house on high erect
Fram'd by that mighty Architect,
With glory richly furnished
Stands permanent, though this be fled.
It's purchased and paid for too
By him who hath enough to do.
A price so vast as is unknown,
Yet by his gift is made thine own.
There's wealth enough; I need no more.
Farewell, my pelf; farewell, my store.
The world no longer let me love;
My hope and Treasure lies above.

 

Review :

"Upon the Burning of Our House" is a poignant poem written by Anne Bradstreet, one of the first published poets in America, in 1666. The poem reflects on the author's personal experience of losing her home and belongings to a fire, and the emotions and reflections that arise from such a tragic event. Overall, the poem is a moving piece of literature that explores themes of loss, faith, and the transient nature of material possessions.

One of the notable aspects of the poem is Bradstreet's skillful use of vivid imagery to convey the devastation caused by the fire. She describes the flames consuming her home and possessions in a visceral way, using metaphors and similes to create a vivid picture of the destruction. For example, she writes, "And to my God my heart did cry, / To strengthen me in my distress. / "Thou, by whose might the weak are strong, / Support me in this awful hour, / And make me still to Thee belong, / Though fire should burn up house and bower" (lines 17-20). This imagery adds depth and emotion to the poem, making the reader feel the intensity of Bradstreet's loss.

Another notable aspect of the poem is Bradstreet's exploration of her own emotional journey in the face of tragedy. She expresses a range of emotions, from shock and despair at the loss of her material possessions, to resignation and acceptance of God's will. She grapples with the fleeting nature of worldly goods and the need to detach from materialism. For example, she writes, "Then straight I 'gin my heart to chide, / And did thy wealth on earth abide? / Didst fix thy hope on moldering dust? / The arm of flesh didst make thy trust? / Raise up thy thoughts above the sky / That dunghill mists away may fly" (lines 21-26). Through her introspection and self-questioning, Bradstreet portrays a deep spiritual struggle and ultimately finds solace in her faith.

The poem also reflects Bradstreet's Puritan beliefs and her reliance on God in times of adversity. She acknowledges that all material possessions are temporary and that true wealth lies in one's relationship with God. She expresses her faith in God's providence and finds comfort in His presence. For example, she writes, "And when I could no longer look, / I blest His name that gave and took, / That laid my goods now in the dust. / Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just. / It was His own, it was not mine, / Far be it that I should repine" (lines 37-42). This portrayal of unwavering faith and acceptance of God's will is a central theme of the poem.

In terms of form, the poem is written in rhymed couplets with a regular meter, which gives it a formal and structured feel. This form enhances the poem's emotional impact, as the rhythm and rhyme contribute to the overall musicality of the piece.

In conclusion, "Upon the Burning of Our House" is a beautifully written poem by Anne Bradstreet that captures the emotional journey of losing one's home and possessions to fire. Through vivid imagery, introspection, and unwavering faith, Bradstreet explores themes of loss, faith, and the transient nature of worldly goods. The poem is a testament to Bradstreet's literary talent and her ability to convey deep emotions through her writing, making it a timeless piece of American literature. Overall, "Upon the Burning of Our House" is a thought-provoking and moving poem that continues to resonate with readers today. 5 out of 5 stars. That's my review of "Upon the Burning of Our House"

 

 

"To My Dear and Loving Husband"
 by Anne Bradstreet

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay;
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let’s so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Review :

"To My Dear and Loving Husband" is a beautifully crafted poem by Anne Bradstreet, a prominent poet of the 17th century. Written in a Puritanical era, the poem is a testament to Bradstreet's deep affection and devotion to her husband, expressing her feelings of love and admiration in a sincere and heartfelt manner.

One of the notable aspects of the poem is its language. Bradstreet's use of eloquent and poetic language adds to the overall charm of the poem. Her choice of words and phrases reflects the cultural and literary norms of the time, and yet, the poem remains accessible and relatable even to modern readers.

The poem also showcases Bradstreet's strong religious beliefs, which were a prominent theme in much of her writing. She expresses her love for her husband in religious terms, comparing it to the eternal love she has for God. This blending of the secular and the spiritual adds depth and complexity to the poem, providing a unique perspective on love and marriage.

Moreover, Bradstreet's poem challenges the traditional gender roles and expectations of her time. She asserts her own desires and feelings as a woman in a patriarchal society, which was uncommon during her era. The poem portrays a sense of equality and mutual respect between Bradstreet and her husband, which was progressive for its time and adds to its enduring appeal.

Furthermore, the poem's structure is well-crafted, with a consistent rhyme scheme and meter, adding to its musicality and rhythm. Bradstreet's use of literary techniques such as alliteration, metaphor, and personification also enhances the imagery and emotional impact of the poem.

However, some readers may find the poem overly idealistic or overly sentimental, as Bradstreet paints an almost perfect picture of her husband and their relationship. Additionally, the poem's strict adherence to the cultural and societal norms of the time may feel limiting or outdated to some modern readers.

In conclusion, "To My Dear and Loving Husband" is a poignant and eloquent poem that showcases Anne Bradstreet's skill as a poet and her deep emotions as a woman in a Puritanical society. Its themes of love, religion, and gender roles continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless piece of literature. Whether viewed through a historical or modern lens, Bradstreet's poem remains a testament to the enduring power of love and the complexity of human emotions. Overall, it is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that continues to be celebrated for its literary merits and its significance in the canon of American literature.