A Poetic Message of Hope by Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet's poetry serves as a profound exploration of hope amidst the inevitability of death. Living in a Puritan community characterized by hardship and high mortality rates, Bradstreet's work reflects the struggles of her contemporaries while simultaneously offering them solace and a perspective that transcends the temporal world. Through her verses, she emphasizes the importance of eternal life promised by God, encouraging her readers to focus on the spiritual rather than the material. In her poems "Contemplations," "Before the Birth of One of her Children," and "As Weary Pilgrim," Bradstreet employs the imagery of nature to guide her audience toward maintaining hope in the face of death, thereby illustrating the intersection of mortality and divinity.

The Dual Nature of Creation

In "Contemplations," Bradstreet opens with a celebration of nature's beauty, highlighting its capacity for renewal. She notes, "If winter come and greenness then do fade, / A spring returns, and they more youthful made" (Bradstreet 124-125). This observation serves to instill a sense of admiration for the regenerative powers of nature. However, she juxtaposes this with the human condition, stating, "But man grows old, lies down, remains where once he’s laid" (Bradstreet 126). This stark contrast underscores the inevitability of death that looms over humanity, a reality that was particularly resonant in her time. The admiration for nature's cycles prompts her to question whether it is justified to praise the earth's beauty over the eternal promise offered to mankind, ultimately concluding that "man was made for endless immortality" (Bradstreet 140).

Bradstreet’s exploration of nature leads to a deeper understanding of its role as a reflection of divine creation. The beauty of the natural world serves not as an object of worship but as a testament to God's greatness. She writes, "If so much excellence abide below, / How excellent is He that dwells on high…" (Bradstreet 9-10). This perspective reinforces the notion that while nature is awe-inspiring, it is merely a shadow of the divine. The following table summarizes the contrasts Bradstreet draws between nature and humanity:

The Struggle with Mortality

In "Before the Birth of One of her Children," Bradstreet confronts the harsh reality of death directly. Written in anticipation of childbirth, the poem captures her fear of dying and leaving her loved ones behind. She poignantly states, "No ties so strong, no friends so dear and sweet, / But with death’s parting blow is sure to meet" (Bradstreet 3-4). This acknowledgment of mortality is devoid of the comforting assurances often associated with eternal life, as noted by Dempsey, who observes that the speaker does not soften death's reality with pious platitudes (Dempsey). Instead, Bradstreet's voice reflects a natural and relatable anxiety about the potential loss of life and the impact it would have on her family.

Her desperate plea for her husband to cherish their children if she should pass reveals a raw and vulnerable side of her humanity. This struggle to maintain hope when faced with the specter of death is a powerful theme throughout her work. Yet, Bradstreet does not leave her readers in despair; she acknowledges the depth of this struggle while simultaneously hinting at the possibility of solace in the afterlife.

The Promise of Eternal Joy

In contrast to the fear expressed in "Before the Birth of One of her Children," Bradstreet's poem "As Weary Pilgrim" offers a glimpse of hope and relief. Here, she reflects on the burdens of life and the joys that await beyond death, stating, "Such lasting joys shall there behold… Lord make me ready for that day / Then come, dear Bridegroom, come away" (Bradstreet 41-44). This transition from despair to hope exemplifies Bradstreet's overarching message: while life is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, the promise of eternal life provides a source of comfort and strength.

Bradstreet's ability to navigate the complex emotions surrounding death serves as a reminder to her audience that while the mortal experience may be filled with suffering, the spiritual journey ultimately leads to redemption and eternal joy. Her poetry encourages readers to redirect their focus from the temporal to the eternal, emphasizing that true fulfillment lies in the relationship with God and the assurance of salvation.

Conclusion

Through her poignant exploration of mortality, Anne Bradstreet articulates a powerful message of hope. She navigates the duality of nature's beauty and humanity's frailty, reminding her readers that while life may be fleeting, the promise of eternal life offers solace in the face of death. By framing nature as a reflection of divine creation, she encourages a spiritual focus that transcends earthly concerns. Ultimately, Bradstreet's poetry serves not only as a reflection of her own struggles but as a guiding light for others seeking to find hope amid the inevitability of mortality. In embracing both the realities of life and the promise of eternity, she crafts a message that resonates across time, inviting readers to seek solace in their faith and maintain hope in the face of life's greatest challenges.

Works Cited

Bradstreet, Anne. "Anne Bradstreet." Beginnings to 1820, edited by Nina Baym, 8th ed., W. W. Norton and Company, 2012, pp. 207-38.

Dempsey, Francine. "Before The Birth Of One Of Her Children." Masterplots II: Poetry, Revised Edition (2002): 1-3. Literary Reference Center. Web. 21 Sept. 2016.