Anne Bradstreet as First American Feminist Essay - 1763 Words

Anne Bradstreet as First American Feminist Feminism today remains prominent because even while women’s rights are very strong, women are still fighting for equality every day. In the time of Anne Bradstreet, women had few rights and they were seen as inferior to men. Anne lived among the puritans whom ruled her everyday life. Although it was against the puritan code for women to receive an education, Bradstreet’s father, Thomas Dudley, loved his daughter dearly and made sure that she was well educated which shows in her works. Anne Bradstreet’s literature became well known only because her family published her works under a male name. This was done because writing poetry was a serious offense to the puritans since poetry was†¦show more content†¦(239) In addition, in this quote, Bradstreet acknowledges that even if her writing skills are extraordinary, that because she is a woman, no one will accept it or believe it. In addition, Bradstreet expressed a need for equality. She wanted people to take a step back and glimpse back to history, â€Å"Let Greeks be Greeks, and women what they are;† (240). In Greece, women were equal among men, as were the Gods and Goddesses. In the seventh stanza of â€Å"The Prologue,† Bradstreet gives her most strong cry out for recognition, still however, it is subtle, â€Å"Men have precedeny and still excel,/ It is but vain unjustly to wage war;/men can do best, and women know it well/ Preeminence in all and each is yours;/ Yet grant some small acknowledgement of ours† (240). Also in this quote is Bradstreet’s observance of men in their natural state. She sees men as war hungry, vain and powerful. Consequently, Anne Bradstreet faced a double bind. If she voiced her thoughts, opinions, and beliefs, she would have put herself in danger, and by not saying anything, she would force herself to go on living in a patriarchy. Bradstreet apologized in her poetry for writing as a woman. This can be see in â€Å"The Prologue,† in the first stanza. To sing of wars, of captains, and of kings,/ Of cities founded, commonwealths begun,/ For my mean pen are too superior things: / Or how they all, orShow MoreRelatedThe Genesis Of Feminism By Anne Bradstreet1181 Words   |  5 PagesPaper #1 English 2510 Courtney Knight October 1, 2015 The Genesis of Feminism As a woman living in a very patriarchal society, Anne Bradstreet uses reverse psychology to present her beliefs and opinions. Bradstreet’s poems show her reality, and possibly the coping mechanisms of living in a world where men were favored above women. Bradstreet’s poems are full of female strength and presence, it is almost held back by her puritan roots and roles as a woman in the 1800s. I can see the conflict withinRead MoreGender Roles In Colonial America1246 Words   |  5 PagesGender Roles were passed from generation to generation with many limitations for women. 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She was born into theRead MoreEssay On Anne Bradstreet2057 Words   |  9 Pagesstill fighting for equality every day. In the time of Anne Bradstreet, women had few rights and they were seen as inferior to men. Anne lived among the puritans whom ruled her everyday life. Although it was completely against the puritan code for women to receive an education, Anne Bradstreet’s father, Thomas Dudley, loved his daughter very much and did everything he could to make sure that she was well educated which shows in her works. Anne Bradstreet’s literature became well known only because