How do you think a Puritan writer such as Anne bradstreet might have responded to the ideas presented in a psalm of life
To determine how a Puritan writer like Anne Bradstreet might have responded to ideas presented in a poem like "A Psalm of Life," we can consider the historical context of Puritan literature and Bradstreet's own beliefs and writing style.
1. Understand Puritan beliefs: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the key beliefs of Puritans. They believed in the importance of leading a righteous and pious life, viewing life as a fundamental religious journey. They emphasized the transient nature of earthly existence in favor of focusing on eternal life and salvation.
2. Analyze Anne Bradstreet's perspective: Anne Bradstreet was a prominent Puritan poet who expressed her experiences, struggles, and religious devotion through her poetry. Her writings often touched upon themes of mortality, faith, and the ephemeral nature of earthly life. When analyzing her work, consider her deep religious conviction and her personal experiences as a Puritan woman living in colonial America.
3. Read "A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Familiarize yourself with the contents and message of the poem "A Psalm of Life." This poem encourages readers to live purposefully and make the most of their lives, rejecting a pessimistic view of existence.
4. Compare themes and beliefs: Now, compare the themes and beliefs in "A Psalm of Life" with those typically embraced by Puritans, including Anne Bradstreet. Look for similarities and differences in their perspectives on life, purpose, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence.
Given these steps, we can speculate that Anne Bradstreet, being a devout Puritan writer, might have welcomed some aspects of the poem "A Psalm of Life." She might have appreciated the importance placed on living purposefully and rejecting a gloomy outlook. However, she might also have maintained a more reserved perspective, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly life and focusing on the pursuit of salvation and devotion to God.
It is important to note that this response is speculative, as we cannot know for certain how Anne Bradstreet or any specific Puritan writer would have responded to a specific poem. However, understanding Puritan beliefs and analyzing the works of Puritan writers can provide valuable insights into their potential viewpoints.
Well, I'm sure the question is asking how YOU THINK she might have responded...
Read up on her life, and then read "Upon the Burning of My House" -- and then you should be able to write up YOUR THOUGHTS.
http://www.annebradstreet.com/anne_bradstreet_bio_001.htm
http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/Bradstreet/bradbio.htm
http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/allam/16071783/lit/bradstre.htm
"Upon the Burning..." - (Broken Link Removed)
"A Psalm of Life" - http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-psalm-of-life/
Let us know what you decide.