Compare and contrast the lives and writing of Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley.
Not cool, PsyDAG.
Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley were both notable female writers in American literary history, but they lived in different time periods and had distinct backgrounds and writing styles. Here is a comparison and contrast of their lives and writings:
1. Background and Early Life:
a. Anne Bradstreet:
- Born in 1612 in England, she immigrated to Massachusetts Bay Colony at the age of 18.
- Came from a well-educated and privileged family.
- Received an education at home, which was uncommon for women during that time.
b. Phillis Wheatley:
- Born in 1753 in West Africa, she was enslaved and brought to Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of 7.
- Purchased by the Wheatley family, who allowed her access to education and encouraged her literary pursuits.
- Her enslavers recognized her intelligence and poetic talent.
2. Writing Style and Themes:
a. Anne Bradstreet:
- Primarily wrote poetry, focusing on personal and religious themes.
- Her poems often reflected her Puritan faith, domestic life, and the challenges of being a woman writer in a male-dominated society.
- Used simple language, conventional rhyme schemes, and biblical allusions.
b. Phillis Wheatley:
- Also known for her poetry, which often addressed themes of religion, race, and liberty.
- Her work explored the injustices of slavery and advocated for freedom and equal rights.
- Employed classical forms and styles influenced by her classical education.
3. Publications and Reception:
a. Anne Bradstreet:
- Her works were not published during her lifetime, but a collection of her poems, "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America," was published in 1650, becoming the first published book by a woman in the New World.
- Her poetry gained attention in the 19th century, with increasing recognition of her contributions to American literature.
b. Phillis Wheatley:
- Published her first book of poetry, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," in 1773 in London, making her the first African American and the first enslaved person to publish a book of poetry.
- Her work was praised by prominent figures of the time, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
4. Legacy:
a. Anne Bradstreet:
- Considered a major figure in colonial American literature and a pioneer for women writers.
- Her poetry paved the way for future generations of female writers to express their thoughts and emotions freely.
b. Phillis Wheatley:
- Achieved international fame as a poet during her short life.
- Her work challenged prevalent stereotypes about African Americans and women, demonstrating the intellectual capabilities of enslaved individuals.
- Served as an inspiration to later African American writers and activists during the early abolitionist movement.
In summary, Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley were both talented poets who wrote about various aspects of their lives and experiences. While Anne Bradstreet's work focused more on personal and religious themes within the context of her Puritan background, Phillis Wheatley confronted issues of slavery and inequality, using her poetry as a means of social and political commentary. Both women left lasting legacies and pioneered for future generations of female and African American writers.
To compare and contrast the lives and writing of Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley, we need to examine their backgrounds, experiences, and literary works. Here are steps to undertake to complete the analysis:
1. Research Anne Bradstreet: Find information about her life, upbringing, and historical context. Look for details such as her Puritan background, family life, and the challenges she faced as a female writer during the 17th century.
2. Examine Anne Bradstreet's writing: Read some of her most notable works, such as "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America" or her collection of poems published in 1650. Analyze her writing style, themes, and subject matter, which often revolve around her personal experiences, faith, family, and nature.
3. Research Phillis Wheatley: Collect information about her life as an enslaved African American woman and poet during the late 18th century. Learn about her upbringing, her enslavement, and her education by the Wheatley family.
4. Examine Phillis Wheatley's writing: Read her collection of poems, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," published in 1773. Analyze her writing style, themes, and subject matter, which often explored religion, social issues, and her personal experiences as an enslaved woman.
5. Identify similarities between their lives and writing: Look for commonalities in their experiences, such as both being female writers during times when women had limited opportunities to publish. See if they address similar themes or share similar literary techniques.
6. Identify differences between their lives and writing: Contrast their experiences, backgrounds, and subject matters. Look for differences in their writing styles, themes, or ways of expressing their ideas.
7. Draw conclusions: Based on the research and analysis, form conclusions about how their lives influenced their writing, the similarities and differences in themes, styles, and approaches, and how they contributed to the literary landscape of their respective times.
Remember that historical context plays an important role in understanding their lives and works. Use reputable sources such as biographies, scholarly articles, or literary analyses to gather accurate information.