Contrast of Anne Bradstreet and Mary Rowlandson

Contrast of Anne Bradstreet and Mary Rowlandson

Anne Bradstreet and Mary Rowlandson were both filled with rich lives of sorrow and wonder. Though many would not even begin to understand the magnitude of what these two women had survived. Anne Bradstreet was a very shy poet who needed a boost from her brother to publish her works and became quiet famous for her works during her life. Contrary to her, Mary Rowlandson’s background is not as well known except for her being captive for eleven weeks by the Wampanoags. Also, both styles of writing are heavily influenced by God, but in different perspectives. Anne Bradstreet was more of an observationalist when it came to God; as to Mary Rowlandson she used many biblical quotes in her works which gives her a more revelation approach to God. Basically, Bradstreet and Rowlandson have different perspectives on life and how they came to be great American writers.

First, Anne Bradstreet was not the most outgoing individual and if not for her brother may never have been discovered. She is one of a few American poets who became somewhat famously known for her writings during her life. Bradstreet had a strong appearance of God in her works. They seemed to lean more towards an observationalist approach to life and why things happen. For example the quote from The Flesh and the Spirit said the following, “Sisters we are, yea, twins we be, Yet deadly feud ‘twixt thee and me; For from one father are we not, Thou by old Adam wast begot. But my arise is from above, Whence my dear Father I do love.” Anne Bradstreet was a great American poet whose writings make her truly believe in the spirit of God.

Second, Mary Rowlandson was not as well known except for her becoming a captive of the Wampanoag tribe. She lived in very rough conditions, but talks of another family who seemed to appreciate her more than her actual owners. For