Friday, September 25, 2009

Why Anne?

Regarding the debate we had towards the end of class Thursday...

There is no doubt Anne Bradstreet was an incredibly unique case. She was the first American poet, and the fact that no other women even attempted her level of sophisticated poetry for years to come sets her apart.

Why? Why was she so unique?

How many other fathers at this time allowed their daughters to be educated at the level Anne was? How many fathers allowed their 10-year-old daughters to enter religious, political and historical conversations with men? Poetry is a difficult field in its own right: How many other people, much less women, had her kind of talent? How many women at that time were of the appropriate social status to be respected as a gentlewoman? How many women at the time knew enough important people (men) who would fight for their cause and actually be listened to? How many women would have known how to (and would be able to) carefully walk that tight-rope, balancing their faith, responsibility as obedient wife, their place in the social hierarchy, their daily chores, their education and their own artistic work? How many women had the ever-present and relentless thirst for knowledge, to challenge their mind?

There are so many what-ifs in Anne's world that fell perfectly into place, allowing her to become the poet that she was. A combination of her own wit and intelligence, the open-mindedness (ironic?) and support of the men in her life, and her socioeconomic position in life all helped her achieve success as a poet. Considering all of the prejudices and suspicions of women during the 18th century, it is little wonder why Anne was not one of many women writers. She may indeed have changed the way many people viewed women at the time, but perhaps it doesn't show in the history books because no other woman was able to have the considerable luck (or Godly blessing, as Anne would say) for it to work out for her.

No comments:

Post a Comment