Feminism in Anne Bradstreets Poems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Feminism in Anne Bradstreets Poems - Essay ExampleThrough poems, poets express their deepest feelings and thoughts, intimately the personal, kindly and political situations of their seasons. In the past, it was considered that only men are capable of writing poetry, as it takes guts and courage to express the bold and revolutionary thoughts, ideas and feelings openly. Hence, when a woman lifespan in the 17th century, used poetry as a medium to express her deepest and the darkest fears, agonies, hopes and dreams, then it left an unforgettable mark in the record of poetry. The woman who left an indelible mark in the world of literature through her poems which mirrored her deep sen clipnts and protest against the Puritan ways that restricted women from living a free and respectable life, was Anne Bradstreet (Martin, An American 5). When Anne Bradstreets poems were reclaimed by American woman writer in 1960s, then her free thinking and her feelings almost womans position in the so ciety, made her to be known as a feminist poet (Frost 117). However, feminism in Anne Bradstreets poetry was non expressed boldly and loudly, but was palpable in a subtle way through language that was socially acceptable, polished and pious in nature. Even though Anne Bradstreet was a free thinker and believed in equality of women, it can be said that in initial part of her life, feminism was visible more in her intellectual curiosity about God and her bold spiritual quest (which was not expected of women in her time), than through an outright credit entry to womens freedom and equality in her poems. However, when she sensed rejection and suppression of her art by people, due to her being a female, then the feminist in her was awakened. Hence, it wont be wrong to say that it was the love and passion of her art that awakened the feminist in Anne Bradstreet, and made her to revolt against the Puritan restrictions and limitations forced on women in her time. Feminist At Heart Women who are well aware of their rights and fight against the cruel and selfish behavior of men towards them are called as feminists. However, alternatively than showing her opposition and revolt in her actions and poetry, Anne Bradstreet chose to express her true feelings in mild ways which were in sync with the Puritan America and social standards of her time (Frost 117). Hence, feminism in Anne Bradstreets poetry was expressed in subtle ways initially. Rather than writing about her experience of the external world and what she mat and knew about it, Anne Bradstreets poetry was a way of escapism from the reality of her life (Rich xiv). She avoided using her personal life experiences as a subject of her poems. It was not common for women of her time (Puritan) to think of anything apart from her limited world of her family, husband, children, household chores and duties (Rich xiv). Independence of women was considered a prideful monster in the Puritan doctrines (Martin, Shakespeares Si sters 19). However, Anne Bradstreet was an improve and very well read woman (Rich xi). She was intellectually aware and gained knowledge about the subjects like theology, history and literature (Rich xi). This made her to show curiosity about the topics which were considered the domain of men and hence, she got the reputation of being a modern woman who had spirit to go beyond the limited world that was forced on women of her time (Rich xvi). Hence, her thinking ability and the spirit to go