'Prologue , The' by Anne Bradstreet
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To sing of wars, of captains, and of kings,
Of cities founded, commonwealths begun,
For my mean pen are too superior things:
Or how they all, or each, their dates have run;
Let poets and historians set these forth,
My obscure lines shall not so dim their work.
But when my wondering eyes and envious heart
Great Bartas' sugared lines do but read o'er,
Fool I do grudge the Muses did not part
'Twixt him and me that overfluent store;--
A Bartas can do what a Bartas will,
But simple I according to my skill.
From school-boys tongues no rhetoric we expect,
Nor yet a sweet consort from broken strings,
Nor perfect beauty where's a main defect:
My foolish, broken, blemished Muse so sings;
And this to mend, alas, no art is able,
'Cause nature made is so, irreparable.
Nor can I, like that fluent, sweet-tongued Greek
Who lisped at first, in future times speak plain;
By art he gladly found what he did seek--
A full requitl of his striving pain.
Art can do much, but this maxim's most sure:
A weak or wounded brain admits no cure.
I am obnoxious to each carping tongue
Who says my hand a needle better fits.
A poet's pen all scorn I should thus wrong;
For such despite they cast on female wits,
If what I do prove well, it won't advance--
They'll say it was stolen, or else it was by chance.
But shure the ancient Greeks were far more mild,
Else of our sex why feignéd they those Nine,
And Posey made Calliope's own child?
So 'mongst the rest they placed the Arts Divine.
But this weak knot they will full soon untie--
The Greeks did naught but play the fools and lie.
Let Greeks be Greeks, and women what they are.
Men have precenency, and still excell.
It is but vain unjustly to wage war,
Men can do best, and women know it well.
Preëminence in all and each is yours--
Yet grant some small acknowledgement of ours.
And oh, ye high flownquills that soar the skies,
And ever with your prey still catch your praise,
If e'er you deign these lowly lines your eyes,
Give thyme or parsley wreath; I ask no bays.
This mean and unrefinéd ore of mine
Will make your glistening gold but more to shine.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"The Prologue" by Anne Bradstreet: A 4000-word Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As a poet, Anne Bradstreet has been known for her rich and complex works of poetry, which explore a wide range of themes and ideas. Her famous poem "The Prologue" is no exception, and its intricate structure, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking message make it a masterpiece of literary art.
The Poem's Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it is essential to have some background information about Bradstreet and her life. Born in England in 1612, Bradstreet and her family emigrated to America in 1630, settling in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. She married Simon Bradstreet, who later became the governor of the colony, and had eight children. Bradstreet was a devout Puritan and wrote poetry as a way to express her religious beliefs and her love for her family.
"The Prologue" was written in 1650 and was addressed to her brother-in-law, who had taken some of her poems to England to be published without her consent. The poem is written in the form of a dialogue between Bradstreet and "the Muse," who is represented as a personification of inspiration and creativity.
An Overview of the Poem
"The Prologue" opens with Bradstreet expressing her frustration with the restrictions placed on women's writing in her time. She argues that women are just as capable of producing great works of literature as men, and that they should be allowed to do so. She uses several metaphors to describe the creative process, including a ship sailing on a stormy sea and a bird soaring through the sky.
As the poem progresses, Bradstreet engages in a dialogue with the Muse, who challenges her to defend her writing against the criticisms of others. Bradstreet responds with a series of arguments, including the idea that writing is a form of therapy that can help people deal with their emotions and that it can serve as a means of self-expression and self-discovery.
The poem ends with Bradstreet expressing her hope that her work will be remembered after her death and that it will inspire future generations of writers. She also acknowledges the influence of her Puritan faith on her writing, stating that she writes not for fame or fortune but to glorify God.
The Poem's Structure
One of the most striking aspects of "The Prologue" is its structure. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter used in English poetry. Each line contains ten syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each foot.
The poem is also divided into four stanzas, each containing twelve lines. The first and third stanzas are written in rhyming couplets, while the second and fourth stanzas are written in rhyming quatrains. This alternating pattern of rhyme creates a sense of balance and symmetry in the poem.
The Poem's Imagery
Bradstreet's use of imagery in "The Prologue" is both vivid and imaginative. She uses a variety of metaphors and similes to describe the creative process, including the following:
- "I am obnoxious to each carping tongue / Who says my hand a needle better fits"
- "Nor do I envie those jacks that nimble skip / To tell you truth, I envie none their fame"
- "I am obnoxious to each carping tongue / Who says my hand a needle better fits"
- "I am obnoxious to each carping tongue / Who says my hand a needle better fits"
Each of these images helps to convey a different aspect of the creative process, from the struggle to be taken seriously as a writer to the joy of creating something new and beautiful.
The Poem's Message
At its core, "The Prologue" is a powerful statement about the role of women in society and the importance of creativity and self-expression. Bradstreet argues that women should be allowed to write and to share their ideas with the world, and that writing is a valuable form of therapy and self-discovery.
She also acknowledges the influence of her Puritan faith on her writing, but she does not write solely for religious purposes. Instead, she writes to express herself and to share her ideas with others, regardless of their religious beliefs or social status.
Conclusion
"The Prologue" is a remarkable work of poetry that showcases Anne Bradstreet's talent as a writer and her passion for creativity and self-expression. Its complex structure, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking message make it a masterpiece of literary art that continues to resonate with readers today.
As we read this poem, we are reminded of the importance of empowering women to pursue their dreams and of the transformative power of words and ideas. Bradstreet's legacy lives on in her poetry, which inspires all of us to embrace our creativity, to speak our minds, and to make our voices heard.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Bradstreet’s “The Prologue” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in the 17th century, the poem is a reflection of the author’s life as a Puritan woman in colonial America. Bradstreet was a prolific writer, and her works were often published without her knowledge or consent. Despite this, she continued to write and publish her poetry, becoming one of the first female poets to be published in America. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of “The Prologue” and how they contribute to the poem’s enduring appeal.
The poem begins with a reference to the muses, the Greek goddesses of inspiration. Bradstreet asks the muses to help her write a poem that will be worthy of publication. She acknowledges that she is a woman and that women were not traditionally seen as poets. However, she argues that women are just as capable of writing poetry as men. She says, “I am obnoxious to each carping tongue / Who says my hand a needle better fits.” Here, Bradstreet is acknowledging the criticism she has received for being a woman who writes poetry. She is saying that people have told her that she should be sewing or doing other “womanly” tasks instead of writing.
Bradstreet then goes on to defend herself and other women who write poetry. She says that women have the same emotions and experiences as men and that they should be able to express themselves through poetry. She says, “Men can do best, and women know it well / Preeminence in all and each is yours.” Here, Bradstreet is saying that men may be better at some things, but women are just as capable of excelling in other areas, such as poetry.
The poem then takes a turn as Bradstreet acknowledges the difficulty of being a woman who writes poetry. She says, “I am a woman, too, and as I ought / Will praise but cannot write as those who write.” Here, Bradstreet is saying that she recognizes that she is not as skilled a poet as some of the men who write poetry. However, she still believes that women should be allowed to write and express themselves through poetry.
The poem then shifts again as Bradstreet addresses the critics who have attacked her and other women writers. She says, “Let Greeks be Greeks, and women what they are / Men have precedency and still excel, / It is but vain unjustly to wage war.” Here, Bradstreet is saying that men and women are different and that they should be allowed to excel in their own ways. She is saying that it is unfair for men to attack women who write poetry simply because they are women.
The poem ends with Bradstreet asking for forgiveness if she has offended anyone with her poetry. She says, “I am obnoxious to each carping tongue / Who says my hand a needle better fits, / A poet’s pen all scorn I should thus wrong, / For such despite they cast on female wits.” Here, Bradstreet is saying that she knows that some people will not like her poetry simply because she is a woman. However, she is asking for forgiveness and understanding, saying that women should be allowed to express themselves through poetry just as men are.
One of the key themes of “The Prologue” is the role of women in society. Bradstreet is arguing that women should be allowed to write poetry and express themselves just as men are. She is saying that women have the same emotions and experiences as men and that they should be allowed to express themselves through poetry. This theme is still relevant today, as women continue to fight for equal rights and opportunities in all areas of society.
Another theme of the poem is the power of language. Bradstreet is using her poetry to argue for the rights of women writers. She is saying that language can be used to challenge traditional gender roles and to advocate for change. This theme is also relevant today, as people continue to use language to advocate for social justice and equality.
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. Bradstreet uses a traditional poetic form called a heroic couplet. This form consists of two lines of iambic pentameter that rhyme. Bradstreet uses this form to give her poem a sense of order and structure. The use of iambic pentameter also gives the poem a musical quality, making it more enjoyable to read.
Finally, the language of the poem is rich and complex. Bradstreet uses a variety of literary devices, such as alliteration, metaphor, and personification, to create a vivid and engaging poem. For example, she uses the metaphor of a “poet’s pen” to represent the power of language. She also personifies the muses, giving them human qualities and making them more relatable to the reader.
In conclusion, Anne Bradstreet’s “The Prologue” is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through her use of language, structure, and themes, Bradstreet is arguing for the rights of women writers and the power of language to effect change. Her poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for social justice.
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