Anne Bradstreets Style of Poetry - Thesis Example

The Prologue is one such poem of Bradstreet, which reveals the mindset of the people of the 17th century. Rich states, “Seventeenth-century Puritan life was perhaps the most self-conscious ever lived in its requirements of the individual understanding” (x).

In the poem, Bradstreet acknowledges the passive role of women in society. She seems to be revealing that women are not considered equal to men and are subjected to remain at home to take care of their husbands and children. She says that women are not given opportunities to play an active role in society. In the poem, Bradstreet acknowledges the fact that men always do best for their families. On the other hand, she thinks that society does not consider women capable of taking difficult decisions.

She does not seem to be happy with the mindset of society and wants women to be more social along with playing traditional roles in their families. In the first half of the poem, Bradstreet describes the passive role of women in society whereas, in the second half, she tries to make people aware of the fact that women also can do good for their families not only by remaining at home but also as working women. She shows her anger at the mindset of people. She wants women to be treated fairly in society.

She tries to educate people that women are also intelligent and talented and can perform the hard duties of life perfectly. She acknowledges men’s role in society and claims that women can also play a productive role. Bradstreet states in her poem, “Men can do best, and Women know it well. Preeminence in all and each is yours; Yet grant some small acknowledgment of ours” (40-42).