Early Puritans led simple, modest lives, free of materialistic temptations. According to today’s high standards, Puritans appear to have led almost primitive lives. However, in that time in history, their humble homes were a large part of their daily lives, and they were viewed upon as being a gift from God. In her poem, Anne Bradstreet describes the importance of her house, despite the fact that she chastises herself for yielding to the temptations of vanity and materialism.
Religion was, for the Puritans, first and foremost in their lives. To them, religion was centered around the Covenant, a personal, inner connection with God in which God promised to provide support and protection in return for loyal devotion and good works. As a result, the poem concentrates on the author’s personal relationship with God. Bradstreet’s first reaction is to lament over the fact that her house has burned down and all of her possessions have been devastated. After some thought however, Bradstreet......
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Approximate Word Count: 848
Approximate Pages: 4 (260 words per double-spaced page) |