Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor
Authors Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor's passionately religious writings represent typical literature of the seventeenth century period. Genuine religious concerns are found in all the writings of the Puritans; in fact, they mainly write either to privately express religious beliefs or to share them with others. Written in Plain Style, Bradstreet and Taylor's straightforward religious poems show not only the individual's attempt to be a good Christian, but also reflect the shared values of the Puritan community.
She bids them farewell as each bird leaves the nest. This letter shows her religious passionate thoughts and feelings which exemplify this period. Additionally, in her poem, "In Reference to Her Children, 23 June 1659," she uses an extended metaphor known as conceit (307). 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. 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. 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). 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. His opening line, "Make mee, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat" asks God to make him into a servant of God (385).
Common topics in this essay:
Edward Taylor's,
Reference Children,
Burning House,
Anne Bradstreet's,
Christ Jesus,
Bradstreet Taylor's,
Additionally Huswifery,
Dear Children,
Divine Worship,
Spinning Wheele,
seventeenth century,
plain style,
edward taylor's,
shared values,
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