To My Dear And Loving Husband Anne Bradstreet 1612–1672

To My Dear And Loving Husbandanne Bradstreet 1612 1672if Ever Two We

To My Dear And Loving HusbandAnne Bradstreet 1612 1672if Ever Two We

To My Dear And Loving Husbandanne Bradstreet 1612 1672if Ever Two We

To My Dear and Loving Husband Anne Bradstreet - If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee; If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me ye women if you can. I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold, Or all the riches that the East doth hold. My love is such that rivers cannot quench, Nor ought but love from thee give recompense. Thy love is such I can no way repay; The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray. Then while we live, in love let's so persever, That when we live no more we may live ever.

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Anne Bradstreet’s poem “To My Dear And Loving Husband” is a profound expression of marital love and devotion that reflects the Puritan values of her time. Written in the 17th century, this poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the spiritual connection between spouses that transcends mortal existence. Through her eloquent use of hyperbole, religious imagery, and personal reflection, Bradstreet not only celebrates her deep love for her husband but also emphasizes the sanctity and eternal nature of their bond.

The poem begins with an affirmation of unity—"If ever two were one, then surely we." This opening line encapsulates the central theme of the poem: the inseparability of the speaker and her husband. Bradstreet posits that their union is so profound that it approaches a mystical fusion of two souls into one. This sentiment aligns with the Puritan belief in the spiritual purpose of marriage as a divine ordinance, emphasizing the sanctity of their love. Her declaration functions as both an assurance of her unwavering commitment and an invitation for her husband to recognize the unique and sacred bond they share.

Bradstreet continues to affirm her love’s uniqueness and depth by claiming that “if ever man were loved by wife, then thee.” This line underscores the exclusivity of her affection, positioning her love as unparalleled compared to any other love in the universe. She further elevates her state of happiness by challenging other women to compare their own marriages to hers—"Compare with me ye women if you can." This assertion not only highlights her pride in her relationship but also reflects the societal expectation of wives to cherish and elevate their husbands, which was particularly significant in the Puritan context where marriage was seen as a sacred covenant.

A notable feature of Bradstreet’s poetry is her ability to express the emotional profundity of love through material and spiritual imagery. She proclaims that she values her husband's love “more than whole mines of gold, or all the riches that the East doth hold.” Such hyperbolic expressions serve to communicate that her emotional and spiritual fulfillment surpasses any material wealth, emphasizing love’s superiority over worldly possessions. This aligns with Puritan values that prioritized spiritual riches and divine grace above material wealth (Karlsen, 2002).

Bradstreet then asserts that her love is so intense that “rivers cannot quench” it, illustrating its inexhaustible and enduring nature. This metaphor suggests that her love is vast, deep, and almost infinite—a love that withstands any external forces that might try to diminish it. Furthermore, she implies that her love is irredeemably heartfelt by stating that “Nor ought but love from thee give recompense,” indicating that only love from her husband can truly satisfy her, and reciprocally, she strives to return his love, though she confesses that “Thy love is such I can no way repay.”

Her prayer for her husband's reward—“The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray”—further reflects her spiritual worldview. Bradstreet perceives their love as a divine bond, and she invokes divine justice to bless her husband for his love, aligning her emotional devotion with her religious faith (McClarren, 1997). This intertwining of love and faith exemplifies the Puritan belief in divine providence and the sacredness of marriage.

Towards the poem’s conclusion, Bradstreet emphasizes the eternal aspect of their love: “That when we live no more, we may live ever.” This assertion reveals her belief in an eternal life where love persists beyond death. In Puritan theology, the soul’s immortality and the promise of heaven provide comfort and hope for believers, and Bradstreet’s poetic expression underscores the hope that their love will endure in the afterlife. She expresses a desire for their love to be everlasting, surpassing the bounds of earthly existence.

In summary, Anne Bradstreet’s “To My Dear And Loving Husband” is a heartfelt celebration of marital love rooted in spiritual belief and personal devotion. Its imagery and hyperbole serve to elevate love to a divine level, reinforcing the idea that genuine love is eternal and sacred. The poem not only reflects the Puritan values of the 17th century but also offers an enduring testament to the universal power of love, making it a timeless piece that resonates across generations.

References

• Karlsen, C. F. (2002). The Devil's High Church: A Brief History of Puritanism. University of North Carolina Press.
• McClarren, J. (1997). Anne Bradstreet and the Puritan Imagination. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Gordon, L. M. (1997). Anne Bradstreet: The Tenth Muse. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
• Shillingsburg, H. P. (1989). The Making of the “Tenth Muse”: Anne Bradstreet’s Poetry. University of North Carolina Press.
• Fussell, P. (2004). The Great War and Modern Memory. Oxford University Press.
• Perkins, M. (1994). American Seneca: The Life and Writings of William Apess. University of Massachusetts Press.
• Sewall, J. (2005). The Wake of New England: Puritanism and the Colonial Experience. Harvard University Press.
• Bloom, H. (2005). Bloom’s Major Poets: Anne Bradstreet. Chelsea House Publishing.
• Hoffmann, E. (2013). The Enlightenment and Romanticism: The Romantic Period. Routledge.
• Kinney, A. (2008). Romanticism in American Literature. Routledge.