Anne Bradstreet vs John Winthrop - Essay Example

   Anne Bradstreet versus John Winthrop Colonial American literature refer to works that begun from the earliest United States satellites all through 1607 to the end of the year 1700. Colonial American literature was for the most part inspired by writers from Britain, and was developed to give information on settlement concerns, religious conflicts, and colonial life. A large number of features of Colonial American literature may be obtained historical icons, poems, religious figures, letters, teaching and historical materials composed by settlers, and narratives that emerged from this period. Colonial American literature incorporates works developed by John Winthrop and Anne Bradstreet, among others. In addition, the earliest Puritan individuals reached in the United States of America in the year 1630. These people came with their customs and beliefs. The Puritans hold the belief that the Bible is the utmost power, an individual’s salvation is dependent on the Grace of God, and all people are naturally malevolent. Both Anne Bradstreet and John Winthrop published works relating to their missions and spiritual feelings during this period. Anne Bradstreet wrote her works in a journal and personal poems, while Winthrop demonstrated his works through a cherished journal and public sermon (Bercovich 12). This paper is a comparison between Anne Bradstreet and John Winthrop. Anne Bradstreet was born in England in 1612 in a well-off household and, in 1630, relocated to New England. Both Anne Bradstreet’s husband and father were governors of Massachusetts Bay Colony. In addition, she had an extreme urge for knowledge and was tremendously learned compared to other individuals of her age. She is perceived as one of the earliest poets in America. Additionally, Anne Bradstreet’s works give an indication that she tried to overcome the beliefs held by the Puritans. Her poems mainly highlight the landscape of New England, her daily life, experiences of religion, and thoughts. Also, her works indicate her prospect of societies highly dominated by the members of the male population. Anne Bradstreet was not a supporter of male domination in the society, and acted as a feminist. She also hid a number of her works for fear of being discriminated against or being attacked (Miller 76). During this time, the natural world and the love for the natural environment initiated disagreements in poetry. On the other hand, John Winthrop was the foremost governor of the Massachusetts Bay colony. He is a figure that symbolizes a large component of what it is presumed to be the American Puritanism. John Winthrop had a zeal for a society that was motivated by the love of God. He also used to give sermons to the members of the Puritan society in the United States of America, to provide hope. He advocated for a society with a significant association with God. John Winthrop’s work, City Upon A Hill, gives descriptions on the model society for other people. In addition, Winthrop held a belief that God had a divine duty for the Massachusetts Colony. Also, John Winthrop came up with the idea of American exceptionalism. Apart from engaging in literally works, John Winthrop was a famous religious and political individual for New England during this period. His journal also gives ideas about the Puritan lifestyle (Delbanco 24). John Winthrop and Anne Bradstreet also differ in their styles. The works of John Winthrop were largely based on external differences. For instance, he wrote on Mrs. Hutchinson and Roger Williams and the issues they faced. The readers are able to obtain information about the individuals in court and their views on what is being discussed. Nonetheless, even if he informs the readers of the view of the people in court, he does not give his views, leaving the readers to speculate about his opinions. John Winthrop seems to provide give different views on the situations that occurred. He uses a technique that highlight views emitting from the perspective of the readers without giving his views on how he feels. His inability to provide a perspective makes him to be like a person who records information in a courtroom. These people usually record the occurrences without providing their own views or expressing situations from their own perspectives (Winthrop 100). Nevertheless, it may be argued that John Winthrop does not give his views because he was aware that his work would be studied. In contrast to John Winthrop works, Anne Bradstreet highlights inner issues. Bradstreet is extremely passionate and intense about her works. This occurs even if she has no intent of developing it. Anne Bradstreet illustrates her disappointment in the direction of people who judge members of the female population who engage in writing as inferior. In addition, Anne Bradstreet is vulnerable in her works as well. She highlights personal details on her daily existence all through her works. Readers are able to read about a catastrophic fire event that damaged her residence (Bercovich 31). The reader is also able to find out how her belief in God was not changed as a result of this tragic event. In addition, Anne Bradstreet’s vulnerabilities are exposed in a poem that she dedicates to her companion. This poem is tremendously touching because she candidly illustrates the significant love she feels for her husband. In addition, Anne Bradstreet and John Winthrop share a number of similarities in their works. Both of them incorporated aspects of Puritan writing in their works. Anne Bradstreet includes a large component of views from the Puritan community in her writings, for example, religion. This is because she is a Puritan member and religion is a pivotal and essential component of Puritan life and community (Bercovich 34). In the poem dedicated to her husband, Anne Bradstreet writes a line that shows she is praying to God pay her companion. This work is more romantic than the original style of writing adopted by the Puritan writing. Nevertheless, Anne Bradstreet’s prayer for her husband is an example of how she employs Puritan views such as worship and religion even in her romantic poetic and personal works. Moreover, in her work, Upton the burning of Our House, she communicates in traditional Puritan form in a number of occasions. In one instance, Anne Bradstreet concentrates on the Lord and religion. For example, she asserts that when her residence was razed down by fire, her heart shed tears to the Lord to provide potency in the period of necessity (Bercovich 44). Anne Bradstreet also refers to the Lord as an architect and heaven as a residence found in the highest point. From this point of view, it may be argued that Anne Bradstreet was not focusing on her house that was damaged by the fire, but by the residence that the Lord has set aside for her in His magnificent realm. John Winthrop also employed the Puritan views. For example, his sermon when the Puritans moved from England to America in 1630 shows the merger of traditional views of power and religious eagerness that historical professionals presume described basic Puritan values and beliefs. In addition, people from the Puritan community held varying opinions on religious matters. These people wanted to construct places of worship to act as standards for the English church. In his works, John Winthrop asserts that the only way success and order of a colony may be achieved though believing that God plans the life of hard work, in the Lord, and communal agreement. Similar to Anne Bradstreet, John Winthrop presumes that existence is determined and with belief in the Lord, conformity, and belief in God’s glory and authority (Winthrop 101). Finally, like Anne Bradstreet who believes God is preparing her for a better life, after the destruction of her residence, John Winthrop also believes that God exists among his people during their movement to America. Work Cited Bercovich, S. The American Jeremiad. New York: University of Wisconsin Press, 1978. Print. Delbanco, A. The Puritan Ordeal. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1989. Print. Miller, P. Errand into the Wilderness. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1956. Print. Winthrop, J. Norton Anthology of American Literature (4th ed.). New York: W.W. Norton, 1995. Print. Read More