Anne Bradstreet Poems
Name _________________________________ Date __________ Hr ___
Notable Fact:
1. For “To My Dear and Loving Husband” paraphrase each line of the poem. Go beyond rewording
and get to the meaning.
Example: If ever two were one, then surely we
Notice first the inverted order of words in the sentence. It is not in the usual subject-verb order.
So, if we put the words in that order, we get
If two were ever one, then surely we [are]
We have an “if” statement. Ask: if what then what? But we realize it is not a conditional
statement: if this happens that will happen; it is a comparison.
We get to the meaning:
If others are then we certainly are
The meaning being if anyone can say they are one in their marriage then we surely can.
Our paraphrase with the meaning clear:
There are others who have been one in their marriage and said so, but our oneness trumps all of
them.
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2. Using the poem, “Upon the Burning of Our House,” fill in the chart comparing the characteristics
of God Bradstreet emphasizes with the characteristics Edwards uses. This is not to make a
statement that either is wrong or right or better than the other. We are merely making
observations in order to get a broader view of the Puritans.
Follow the example given.
Bradstreet
Edwards
ex: Line 9, Strengthener
2nd par. angry, wrathful