Bradstreet

"The Prologue" demonstrates the attitude toward roles of women in Bradstreet's time and seems to reflect somewhat of a struggle with these roles. First, I thought it was interesting that she, as a woman and a Puritan, shows such a knowledge and use of Greek mythology in her poetry (this shows up in "Contemplations" too). Being only vaguely familiar with Greek mythology, some of the poem's meaning was probably lost to me. Second, she obviously lacked confidence in her ability as a poet, which carries through this poem and is displayed more strongly in "The Author to Her Book". Some of the things said in this poem may be due to this lack of confidence, but I wonder how much has to do with her staying in her 'place as a woman'. For example, "A weak or wounded brain admits no cure" (line 24) and "A Bartas can do what a Bartas will, But simple I according to my skill" (line 12). Also, I took line 18 as refering to her gender (but I could be wrong). According to lines 25-27, she's been essentially told to drop writing and do something more appropriate to women. She acknowleges that, even if she's considered talented at all, her talent will be passed over as almost a mistake. By the end of the poem, she seems to kind of sigh and resign herself to society as is (lines 38-40), but I can't decide if this is actual resignation, or sarcasm, or bitterness. I would really like to know what was going through her mind. In spite of what she's been told, she's still writing this, which means she hasn't traded her pen for a knitting needle as recommended. Curiouser and curiouser.

Instead of drawing from mythology, "To My Dear and Loving Husband" takes from the Bible, largely from Song of Songs (having covered Song of Songs, including a look at the book as poetry, in a class, the similarities pretty much jumped out and bit me). Two becoming one flesh is a piece of Genesis imagery. Lines 5-7 strongly resemble Song of Songs 8:7 "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised." Bradstreet feels almost indebted to her husband for his love and speaks of him in glowing terms, as do the lovers about each other in Song of Songs, the man gushing about the woman and the woman praising the man.The last line shows this very romantic (idealistic, not cheesy, though it's kind of cheesy too) idea that, if they love to the fullest in live, their love with outlive their deaths.("...for love is as strong as death..." Songs 8:6) Surprisingly, I really appreciated this poem. It's a beautiful, honest, and sincere mini love story about marriage that hasn't lost its romance or devotion or whatever, which is admirable. Far better than, say, a Justin Bieber love song.