The Genius of Anne Bradstreet - Biography of the Author with Facts & Quotes From Her Poetry

Summary

Anne Bradstreet, born in 1612, was America's first published female poet. Despite not attending school, she was well-educated through private tutors and her father's library. She married Simon Bradstreet at 16 and moved to America during the Great Migration. Her poetry, often written during her husband's absences, focused on religious, historical, and domestic themes. Her work, published without her consent, made her one of the world's first feminist authors. She faced personal hardships, including her house burning down and suffering from smallpox and tuberculosis, which eventually led to her death in 1672.

Takeaways

• 📜 Anne Bradstreet was America's first published female poet, born Anne Dudley in 1612.
• 👨‍🏫 Despite not attending school, she had private tutors and access to her father's library, showing her well-rounded education.
• 🚢 At 18, she sailed to America with her family during the Great Migration of Puritans.
• 🏛️ Her father and later her husband both served as governors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
• 📚 Her brother-in-law, Reverend John Woodbridge, published her poems in England without her knowledge in 1650.
• 💪 She became one of the world's first feminist authors by adding poems and editing a second edition of her work.
• 📝 Bradstreet's poetry often focused on religious, historical, and domestic themes, reflecting her intellect and strength.
• 🏡 She faced numerous personal hardships, including her house burning down and suffering from smallpox and tuberculosis.
• ✍️ Her self-revised book, 'Several Poems Compiled with Great Variety of Wit and Learning,' was published posthumously in 1678.
• 🌟 One of her most famous poems, 'To My Dear and Loving Husband,' was not intended for publication but is now widely recognized.

Q & A

Who was Anne Bradstreet?

Anne Bradstreet was America's first published female poet, born Anne Dudley in 1612. She was well-educated for a woman of her time, with private tutors and access to her father's library.

What was Anne Bradstreet's father's profession and influence on her education?

Anne Bradstreet's father was a steward for the Earl of Lincoln and a Puritan leader. He played an active role in her education, teaching her and helping her pursue her interests.

When and why did Anne Bradstreet sail to America?

Anne Bradstreet sailed to America in 1630 at the age of 18 with her family as part of the Great Migration of Puritans.

What hardships did Anne Bradstreet face during her voyage to America?

Anne Bradstreet faced rough weather and disease during her voyage, which caused the death of several passengers. She was unprepared for such hardship and tragedy.

How did Anne Bradstreet's poetry get published?

Her brother-in-law, Reverend John Woodbridge, copied some of her poems without her knowledge and published them in England in 1650, attempting to show that a godly and educated woman could elevate her position without competing with men.

What themes did Anne Bradstreet typically write about in her poetry?

Anne Bradstreet wrote poetry mostly when her husband was away on business, using religious, historical, and domestic themes.

How did Anne Bradstreet's personal hardships influence her poetry?

Anne Bradstreet's personal hardships, such as her house burning down and suffering from illnesses like smallpox and tuberculosis, caused her to turn inward and toward religion, which influenced her poetry.

What is the significance of Anne Bradstreet's belief in the worth and ability of women in her poetry?

Anne Bradstreet's belief in the worth and ability of women was controversial in her culture, making her one of the world's first feminist authors.

What was the title of Anne Bradstreet's self-revised book published posthumously in America?

The title of Anne Bradstreet's self-revised book published posthumously in America was 'Several Poems Compiled with Great Variety of Wit and Learning'.

What is one of Anne Bradstreet's most famous poems?

One of Anne Bradstreet's most famous poems is 'To My Dear and Loving Husband', which was included in her self-revised book published posthumously.

What is known about Anne Bradstreet's burial site?

Anne Bradstreet's actual burial site is unknown. There is a memorial marker in North Andover, Massachusetts, where it is believed she may have been buried.