Name _______________________________________________ Block ______ Date ______
Anne Bradstreet Poetry
To My Dear and Loving Husband
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me ye women if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
1. The following lines are in archaic language. Identify the archaic word and translate the
specified lines into your own words.
Line 2:
Line 4:
Line 5:
Line 6:
2. The following lines are in archaic language. Identify the archaic word and translate the
specified lines into your own words.
Line 8:
Line 9:
Line 10:
3. What relationship is seen between earthly love and eternal life?
4. What does Bradstreet value more than gold?
5. What is Bradstreet saying in the last two lines of the poem?
6. What emotions does Bradstreet express to her husband? Give examples from the
poem.
“Upon the Burning of Our House”
7. The following lines are in archaic language. Identify the archaic word and translate the
specified lines into your own words.
Line 39:
Line 35:
Line 43:
8. Inverted Syntax (1st stanza): Rewrite how you would normally expect to see this
stanza.
9. In your own words, paraphrase stanza 2?
10. How does Bradstreet view her loss?
11. Reread lines 21-28. Explain what Bradstreet sees when she wakes up to see her house
on fire. How do you think she feels?
12. Reread lies 21-36. What things does Bradstreet miss about her house?
13. In your own words, explain stanza 7. Why does Bradstreet scold her heart?
14. What is Bradstreet comparing to a house? (lines 43-54)
Where does Bradstreet expect to find a permanent home? (stanzas 8-9)
15. What does Bradstreet conclude about the reason for the fire? (Hint: Who is
responsible for it?)
16. What is Bradstreet’s attitude toward material wealth and spiritual wealth?
What did you learn about her daily life from this poem? (Hint: think God).
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Comparing “To My Dear and Loving Husband” and “Upon the Burning of Our House”
On the basis of these two poems, how would you describe Bradstreet’s views of God and Heaven?
Writing Poetry Assignment (finish for homework):
On a separate sheet of paper write a poem in the same fashion as “To My Dear and Loving Husband”. Poem must be a
minimum of 8 lines (1-2 stanzas). You must use archaic language in at least 4 lines and inverted syntax at least twice.