Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor

Edward Taylor’s writings show the shared values within his community of believers. In his poem "Joy of Church Fellowship," which is the final part of "God’s Determination," he shares his vision of their group of believers: "But in their Acts Divine and Worship, they / With Hymns do offer up their Heart. Additionally, in "Huswifery" he illustrates the seventeenth century Puritan emphasis on the soul of the individual. His opening line, "Make mee, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat" asks God to make him into a servant of God (385). In the letter, "To My Dear Children," she shares her testimony, admitting her doubts and shortcomings as a Christian but concluding with her resolute pronouncement, "Return, O my Soul, to thy rest, upon this rock Christ Jesus will I build my faith…" (315). She simply says the night was silent, as opposed to a flowery description of the night, which was typical of the Romantic period. Bradstreet shows the plain style of the Puritan writers in "Burning House:" "In silent night when rest I took / For sorrow near I did not look" (311). Bradstreet’s poetry reflects the religious passion, the plain style, and the focus on the individual soul, which was typical of seventeenth century American writing. This letter shows her religious passionate thoughts and feelings which exemplify this period. She cleverly describes her family as nest of birds: "I had eight birds hatcht in one nest, / Four cocks there were, and hens the rest," (307). Additionally, in her poem, "In Reference to Her Children, 23 June 1659," she uses an extended metaphor known as conceit (307).