Anne Bradstreet stands as a pioneering figure in American poetry, demonstrating a remarkable progression from her early, more public and imitative works to her later, deeply personal and emotive poems. Her literary journey reflects both the constraints and the opportunities of being a woman writer in the 17th century. Through the evolution of her themes and styles, Bradstreet carved a niche for herself, balancing her roles as a poet and a colonial housewife with a deft touch that continues to resonate with readers today.

Early Influences and Education

Anne Bradstreet benefited from a comprehensive education that was rare for a woman of her time. She was well-versed in history, theology, and science, and her poetry reflects the influence of several earlier poets. Notably, she wrote an elegy for Sir Philip Sidney, showing her interest in his sonnet sequence Astrophel and Stella. Her admiration also extended to Guillaume de Salluste, Seigneur du Bartas, whose epic La Semaine was well-regarded among Puritans and became one of her favorite works. This breadth of knowledge and influence is evident in her early poems, which often adopted the complex structure of quaternions, exploring themes through groups of four elements or humours as believed in ancient traditions.

The Tenth Muse: Public Voice and Early Works

Bradstreet’s early literary efforts culminated in her first published collection, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America. This work established her as a notable voice, although the poems therein were primarily conventional and scholarly. Her poem "The Four Monarchies" is a testament to her extensive reading, versifying ancient history in over three thousand lines, largely derived from Sir Walter Ralegh’s History of the World. While not all of these poems are celebrated for their creativity, they demonstrate her intellectual capacity and the sheer effort she devoted to mastering literary forms.

"The Prologue" serves as a notable piece within this collection, where Bradstreet cleverly navigates the challenges of being a female poet. Through a humble and somewhat ironic tone, she acknowledges the constraints placed on women’s creativity while subtly asserting her place in the poetic tradition. Her strategic humility in the face of potential criticism from male contemporaries reveals a nuanced understanding of her cultural and historical context.

The Private Voice: Family and Personal Themes

As Bradstreet matured in her poetic career, her work began to reflect more personal and domestic themes. Her roles as a wife and mother became central to her poetry. In "The Author to Her Book," she likens her published work to an ill-favored child, highlighting her complex relationship with her own creative output. This metaphorical treatment of her literary and familial experiences demonstrates her wit and self-awareness.

Her family poems, such as "In Reference to Her Children, 23 June 1659," showcase her affectionate and candid observations of her loved ones. Using a bird metaphor, she tenderly addresses each of her eight children, revealing a deep emotional connection and a mother’s inevitable concern for her offspring’s future. These poems stand out for their sincerity and the delicate balance between personal sentiment and artistic expression.

Love and Absence

Bradstreet’s love poems, particularly those addressing her husband’s absences, capture the intensity of her affection with vivid imagery and intimate tone. "A Letter to Her Husband, Absent upon Public Employment" employs metaphors of the sun and earth to convey her longing and emotional vulnerability during his absence. These works highlight not only her personal devotion but also her mastery of lyric poetry, as she skillfully intertwines her themes of love and separation with natural imagery.

Spiritual Reflections and "Contemplations"

Despite the personal nature of many later works,...