The 17th century marked a pivotal era for American poetry. During this time, the fledgling colonies of America were beginning to establish their cultural identity, and poets emerged who helped shape the literary landscape. From early settlers writing in religious tones to those beginning to explore more personal and political themes, the works of these poets offer valuable insights into the history, culture, and values of early America. This article will explore 11 famous American poets of the 17th century, highlighting their literary contributions, notable works, and lasting influence.
11 Famous American Poets of the 17th Century
1. Anne Bradstreet (1612–1672)
Literary Contributions: Anne Bradstreet is often considered the first published American poet and one of the most important figures in early American literature. Her work focused primarily on themes of faith, family, and the struggles of women in colonial society. Bradstreet was a Puritan, and her poetry reflects the religious and domestic life of the time, blending personal emotion with theological reflection.
Notable Works: Her most famous work is The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America (1650), which was the first collection of poetry published by an American. One of her most iconic poems, “To My Dear and Loving Husband,” expresses her deep love and devotion to her spouse, while “The Prologue” humorously addresses the challenges she faced as a woman poet in a male-dominated society.
Influence: Bradstreet’s influence lies in her pioneering role as a woman poet in early America. Her ability to weave personal experience with spiritual reflection opened the door for future American women writers. Her blend of Puritan religious themes with personal introspection was groundbreaking, making her a central figure in both the history of American poetry and women’s literary history.
2. Edward Taylor (1642–1729)
Literary Contributions: Edward Taylor was a Puritan minister whose poetry has been described as deeply theological and meditative. His works often grappled with questions of salvation, divine will, and the nature of existence, reflecting the religious context of the time. Taylor’s poetry is highly intellectual and features elaborate metaphysical imagery.
Notable Works: Taylor’s most significant work is his Preparatory Meditations, a series of poems written as part of his preparation for the Lord’s Supper. These meditations are known for their complex metaphors and exploration of Puritan theology. Another famous work is God’s Determinations.
Influence: Though Taylor’s work was not published during his lifetime, his poetry has had a lasting influence on American literature. His deeply reflective and theological writing set the stage for later American poets like Emily Dickinson, who also explored the relationship between faith and personal experience.
3. Michael Wigglesworth (1631–1705)
Literary Contributions: Michael Wigglesworth was a Puritan minister known for his epic poem The Day of Doom (1662), a work that reflected the fire-and-brimstone theology of his time. The poem presents a vivid and detailed account of the last judgment and the fate of sinners. It became one of the most popular and influential works of early American literature.
Notable Works: The Day of Doom is Wigglesworth’s most notable work, and it enjoyed immense popularity in its time, going through multiple editions. The poem was written in rhymed couplets and used vivid imagery to depict the terrifying consequences of sin and the promise of salvation.
Influence: Wigglesworth’s The Day of Doom was widely read and had a significant impact on the religious thought of the time. It influenced other works of Puritan literature and helped shape the religious consciousness of 17th-century New England, making Wigglesworth one of the most widely recognized poets of his era.
4. Sarah Kemble Knight (1666–1727)
Literary Contributions: Sarah Kemble Knight was one of the few women poets in 17th-century America whose work was published. While she is better known for her travel journal, The Journal of Madam Knight, her poetry also reflects her keen observations and strong personal voice. Her works often deal with themes of travel, nature, and the domestic life of women.
Notable Works: While her poetry is not as widely known as her prose, Knight’s poems often reflect her experiences as a traveler in early America, offering a glimpse into colonial life and the challenges women faced during that time. Her travel writing is considered a precursor to American memoir writing.
Influence: Knight’s writings, both in verse and prose, provide an important record of the lives of women in colonial America. Her unique position as a traveling woman and writer gives her works a distinct perspective on the early American experience, influencing later female authors and contributing to the development of American memoir and autobiography.
5. Richard Mather (1596–1669)
Literary Contributions: Richard Mather was a Puritan minister and theologian whose writings focused primarily on religious and theological matters. His works helped shape the intellectual life of New England in the early colonial period. Mather’s writings were instrumental in the development of Puritan thought in America.
Notable Works: Mather is perhaps best known for his involvement in the Bay Psalm Book (1640), a collection of Psalms translated into English for the use of the Puritan colonies. He also wrote theological works that were influential in Puritan thought.
Influence: Mather’s contributions to religious literature were deeply influential in the development of American Puritanism. His work helped to establish a foundation for later American poets and writers, especially in terms of the role of religion in American life.
6. Hannah Welles (1631–1692)
Literary Contributions: Hannah Welles was a colonial poet who is known for her religious verse. Her poems were deeply influenced by the Puritan faith and often focused on themes of piety, family, and the afterlife. She was one of the few women poets of her time and is noted for her personal reflections on faith and devotion.
Notable Works: Welles’ work has been mostly lost to history, but her contributions to colonial literature reflect the religious devotion of early American settlers. Her writings, though few, represent the struggles and devotions of Puritan women during the 17th century.
Influence: Welles’ influence lies in her role as one of the few women poets in early America. Her works, though relatively unknown, shed light on the personal and spiritual lives of women during this period, adding to the body of early American religious literature.
7. Thomas Hooker (1586–1647)
Literary Contributions: Thomas Hooker was a Puritan minister and theologian who is better known for his sermons and writings on the religious and political issues of the time. While he was not primarily a poet, his writings often contained poetic elements, with their strong imagery and stirring language.
Notable Works: Hooker’s works focused on the theological principles of the Puritan faith, including his famous sermon on The Foundation of Authority in the Church (1641), which became an important part of early American religious discourse.
Influence: Hooker’s sermons and theological writings were influential in shaping the intellectual and religious landscape of early America. His focus on the sovereignty of God and the role of the church in society influenced later American writers and thinkers.
8. John Winthrop (1588–1649)
Literary Contributions: John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, is perhaps best known for his sermon “A Model of Christian Charity” (1630), which is often considered a foundational text in American Puritan thought. Winthrop’s writings often explored the relationship between faith and governance.
Notable Works: Winthrop’s most famous work is his Journal, a detailed account of the early years of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His writings are more focused on the political and social aspects of Puritan life than on poetry, but his eloquent language and religious fervor contributed to the literary culture of early America.
Influence: Winthrop’s writings helped shape the religious and political landscape of early New England. His vision of a “city upon a hill” influenced American political thought and remains an important concept in American identity.
9. George Fox (1624–1691)
Literary Contributions: George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), produced a large body of religious writing that included poetic elements. His works were known for their spiritual intensity and reflective tone, focusing on the inner light and personal communion with God.
Notable Works: Fox’s most famous work is his Journal, which details his spiritual journey and the founding of the Quaker movement. His writings, though not purely poetry, contain poetic imagery and reflections on faith.
Influence: Fox’s writings helped establish the Quaker movement in America, and his emphasis on personal spirituality and the inner light influenced later American thinkers and writers, including poets like Walt Whitman.
10. Increase Mather (1639–1723)
Literary Contributions: Increase Mather was a prominent Puritan minister and writer whose works often focused on the intersection of faith and politics. He was involved in the Salem witch trials and his writings offer important insights into the religious and political climate of 17th-century New England.
Notable Works: Mather’s most famous work is Wonders of the Invisible World (1693), in which he defended the Salem witch trials and the role of Puritan religious authority. His works on the relationship between faith and governance were highly influential.
Influence: Mather’s writings had a significant impact on the religious and political discourse of his time. His involvement in the witch trials and his writings on faith and governance helped shape the religious and political landscape of colonial America.
11. William Bradford (1590–1657)
Literary Contributions: William Bradford was a key figure in the early history of America, known for his role as a leader of the Plymouth Colony. His writing, Of Plymouth Plantation (1651), offers a detailed account of the colony’s founding and early years, blending history with personal reflection. Though not a poet in the traditional sense, his writings are filled with poetic and religious language.
Notable Works: Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation is one of the most important works of early American literature, offering a first-hand account of the hardships and triumphs of the pilgrims. His poetic use of language and religious tone influenced later American literature.
Influence: Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation is a foundational text in American history and literature. His detailed account of the Puritan settlers’ journey helped shape the national narrative of American colonization and remains an essential work in the study of early American literature.
Conclusion
These 11 poets and writers played a significant role in the development of American literature during the 17th century. Each brought their unique voice to the literary landscape, contributing to the cultural, religious, and intellectual fabric of early American society. Through their works, they influenced future generations of writers and poets, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today.
