Introduction
In their respective eras’ male-dominated and oppressive landscapes, Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley emerged as remarkable literary voices, defying societal expectations and historical constraints. Both poets lived during times when women had limited agency and enslaved people were denied education and a voice. Bradstreet, a Puritan in colonial New England, and Wheatley, an enslaved African in pre-revolutionary America, harnessed their literary talents to challenge the prevailing norms of their societies.
Through their works, these two authors provide profound insights into the perspectives of women and enslaved people in their literary periods, highlighting themes of faith, love, and the human condition. Despite societal constraints, Bradstreet and Wheatley’s works reveal the perspectives of women and enslaved people. Bradstreet’s introspection and Wheatley’s assertiveness collectively paved the literary path for marginalized voices in their eras.
Religious Expression and Faith
Bradstreet and Wheatley grappled with religious themes in their poetry, reflecting their deep spiritual convictions. Bradstreet, a devout Puritan, often expressed her faith in God and the importance of salvation. In “Before the Birth of One of Her Children,” she writes, “All things within this fading world hath end, / Adversity doth still our joys attend.” (Faderman 76). Bradstreet’s poetry underscores her belief in worldly pleasures’ transient nature and faith’s centrality in the face of adversity.
Wheatley also explores religious themes with a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as an enslaved person. In her poem “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” she writes, “Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, / May be refined and join the angelic train.” This poem challenges prevailing racial and religious prejudices by asserting the possibility of spiritual redemption for all, regardless of skin color (Poetry Foundation). Wheatley’s faith is a source of empowerment and resistance, giving voice to the marginalized.
Love and Family
Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley delve into themes of love and family in their poetry, shedding light on the roles of women and enslaved people within their respective societies. Bradstreet’s poem “To My Dear and Loving Husband” poignantly expresses her love for her spouse, proclaiming, “My love is such that Rivers cannot quench.”(Rusert). In a society that often restricts women’s public expressions of affection, Bradstreet’s poem is a testament to the depth of her love.
Despite her enslaved status, Wheatley also touched upon themes of love and family. In “To His Excellency General Washington,” she writes, “Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side; / Thy ev’ry action let the goddess guide.” This poem not only celebrates the love of a nation for its leader but also underscores Wheatley’s belief in the transformative power of virtue (Poetry Foundation). Her ability to address Washington, a symbol of freedom, highlights the paradox of her enslaved existence.
Gender and Identity
While both poets faced societal constraints due to their gender and status, their works offer differing approaches to self-expression. Bradstreet, in “The Author to Her Book,” humorously describes her work as a “rambling brat,” emphasizing her modesty and the challenges faced by a female writer in her time. Her self-deprecation, however, may also serve to deflect criticism and expectations placed upon her.
On the other hand, Wheatley’s poetry often adopts a more public voice, addressing prominent figures and discussing issues of national significance (Rusert). In “To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth,” she writes, “No more, America, in mournful strain / Of wrongs, and grievance unredressed complain.” Here, Wheatley assumes the role of a public advocate, challenging the injustices of slavery and calling for action (Poetry Foundation). Her assertive voice is a departure from the traditional roles of women and enslaved people.
In their distinct ways, Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley defied the confines of their eras. Bradstreet’s introspective and religiously centered poetry provided an intimate glimpse into the struggles and aspirations of a woman in colonial New England (Poetry Foundation). Her modesty often masked a clever commentary on the expectations placed upon female writers (Rusert).
Meanwhile, Wheatley’s bold and public verses challenged the dehumanizing institution of slavery, advocating for the rights and dignity of African Americans. Their literary legacies transcend time, standing as testaments to the resilience of marginalized voices (Faderman 151). These two pioneering women not only illuminated the perspectives of their time but also paved the way for future generations to amplify their voices in pursuit of equality and justice.
Conclusion
Though separated by time and circumstance, Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley used their poetic talents to challenge the limitations imposed upon women and enslaved people in their respective eras. Through their works, they shed light on the perspectives of these marginalized groups, addressing themes of faith, love, and identity.
Bradstreet’s deeply personal and introspective poetry demonstrates her negotiation of societal expectations, while Wheatley’s assertive and public voice challenges the status quo. Both poets, in their ways, defied the norms of their times and paved the way for future generations of women and African Americans to have their voices heard in the world of literature. Their enduring words continue to inspire and illuminate the path towards equality and justice.
Works Cited
Faderman, Lillian. Woman. Yale University Press, 2022.
Poetry Foundation. “Anne Bradstreet.” Poetry Foundation, 2019. Web.
Poetry Foundation. “Phillis Wheatley.” Poetry Foundation, 2018. Web.
Rusert, Britt. “‘The World Is a Severe Schoolmaster’: Phillis Wheatley’s Poetry of Domination and Submission.” Early American Literature, vol. 57, no. 3, 2022, pp. 779–96. Web.