Anne Bradstreet's "The Author to Her Book" I realize she is writing about her poems and not a child but where is the irony in that?
Did you read my previous post??
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1216813542
Is not the book her child....the product of her affair with the world? Unless you have written a book, it is difficult to conceive of the work as your child, but in fact, it is. You love to love it, and hate it.
The irony in Anne Bradstreet's poem "The Author to Her Book" stems from the fact that she compares her book of poems to a child, even though it is clear that she is dissatisfied with the work. This ironic twist lies in the contrasting emotions Bradstreet feels towards her creation, as while a mother generally loves and nurtures her child, Bradstreet critiques and criticizes her own book.
To fully grasp the irony in this poem, it is crucial to analyze the various literary devices and elements within the text. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to identify the irony in "The Author to Her Book":
1. Read the poem: Start by reading the poem carefully and paying attention to the overall tone and content. Take note of any phrases or lines that seem contradictory or create a sense of tension.
2. Identify the extended metaphor: Notice that Bradstreet uses an extended metaphor throughout the poem. She compares her book of poems to a child, using terms like "child of my feeble brain" and "ill-formed offspring." This metaphor lays the foundation for the irony to come.
3. Analyze Bradstreet's feelings: Examine the emotions Bradstreet expresses towards her "child" (book). She refers to it as "ill-formed" and claims it was "snatched" from her. These negative descriptions indicate her dissatisfaction with the work.
4. Consider the usual feelings towards a child: Reflect on the typical emotions a mother has towards her child, such as love, protectiveness, and pride. Contrast these expected feelings with Bradstreet's critical and detached attitude towards her book.
5. Reflect on the intended audience: Remember that the poem was not written for the general public but was, in fact, a private reflection that Bradstreet never intended to publish. The intended audience for this poem was probably herself or a close circle of friends and literary peers. This adds another layer of irony, as she voices her dissatisfaction with her work to an audience who will potentially validate her concerns.
By analyzing these elements simultaneously, you can appreciate the irony in how Bradstreet portrays her book as a child while simultaneously displaying her dissatisfaction towards her creation. The contrast between the traditional sentiments towards a child and her own critical perspective creates an ironic twist in the poem.