Anne Bradstreet Research Paper

If what I do prove well, it won’t advance, They’ll say it’s stol’n or else it was by chance.” (Norton, 208) There are not many female writers in American Literature, and writing is traditionally viewed as a manly activity. Therefore, it is very interesting that the first published author in the newly established Puritan society, Anne Bradstreet, is a female. Puritan women are very restricted to life at home and therefore judged as inferior to men. Anne could be considered America’s first feminist because she is a woman writing about her own experiences in life, which completely defy the current puritan tradition. The strict standards of Puritan life are attacked by early feminists who were once Puritan. Anne Bradstreet’s work primarily reflects the religious and emotional conflicts that she experiences, both as a female writer and as a …show more content…
Several critics see Bradstreet's poems as evidence for her rebellion against God, a male dominated society, and against Puritan social structures. Anne Bradstreet is a radically feminist poet, whom challenges the exile of women to the secret sphere of life and questions the idea of a very unforgiving Puritan god. “Bathsua Makin, who wrote a treatise published in 1673 "An Essay to Revive the Ancient Education of Gentlewomen," included Anne Bradstreet as an "excellent poet." (Reuben) Now it seems as if Anne Bradstreet is here to stay. Even though other female writers appear, Anne Bradstreet’s works are rediscovered during the feminist movement of the 20th century. “A Google search finds that "Anne Bradstreet" is mentioned and found in 31,800 websites, many of them dedicated to her. As long as readers find joy and meaning in Bradstreet's poems, she will remain immortal.” (Reuben) Anne Bradstreet paves the way for successful women