Welcome to Poem of the Day – A Letter to her Husband, absent upon Publick employment by Anne Bradstreet.
Anne Bradstreet, a renowned poet of the 17th century, holds the distinction of being one of the first English poets in the American colonies. Her work, deeply personal yet universally relatable, often reflects her experiences as a woman, wife, and mother in a time of great social and cultural upheaval. One of her most celebrated poems, A Letter to her Husband, absent upon Publick employment, exemplifies her ability to express profound emotion through elegant yet simple language. In this article, we will delve into the themes, literary devices, and emotional resonance of this timeless piece.
A Letter to her Husband, absent upon Publick employment Explanation
Understanding the Context
Anne Bradstreet lived during a time when the roles of women were largely confined to the domestic sphere. Her poetry often provided an outlet for her thoughts and emotions, especially during moments of separation from her husband, Simon Bradstreet. As a colonial magistrate, Simon’s duties frequently required him to travel, leaving Anne alone to care for their home and children.
This poem reflects Anne’s deep sense of love and longing during one such period of absence. Written as a heartfelt letter to her husband, it captures the pain of separation and the hope for reunion.
Themes in the Poem
Love and Unity: The central theme of the poem is the profound love Anne feels for her husband. She describes their bond as inseparable, likening them to two halves of a single whole. This unity is portrayed as both emotional and physical, emphasizing the depth of their relationship.
Longing and Absence: The poet expresses an intense yearning for her husband’s presence. This longing is almost tangible, as Anne laments the physical distance between them and the emotional toll it takes on her.
Nature and the Seasons: Bradstreet uses imagery of nature and the seasons to reflect her emotions. She associates her husband’s absence with the coldness of winter and anticipates his return as the warmth of summer.
Analysis of Key Lines
“I, like the Earth this season, mourn in black, / My Sun is gone so far in’s Zodiack.”
In this line, Anne uses the metaphor of the Earth mourning in winter to depict her sorrow. Her husband is compared to the sun, the source of warmth and life, highlighting his importance in her life.
“Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone, / I here, thou there, yet both but one.”
This biblical allusion to Genesis emphasizes their marital unity. Despite being physically apart, they are spiritually connected, underscoring the depth of their bond.
“Return, return, sweet Sol, from Capricorn; / In this dead time, alas, what can I more?”
Here, Anne pleads for her husband’s return, comparing him to the sun moving through the zodiac. The imagery of Capricorn, a winter constellation, reinforces the theme of coldness and longing.
Literary Devices
Metaphor: The poem is rich in metaphor, particularly the comparison of her husband to the sun and herself to the Earth. This device vividly conveys her emotional state and the significance of their relationship.
Allusion: Anne references biblical and astrological elements, weaving them into the fabric of her poem to add depth and context.
Imagery: Vivid descriptions of nature and the seasons bring her emotions to life, making her experience relatable to readers.
Emotional Resonance
The power of A Letter to her Husband, absent upon Publick employment lies in its ability to evoke empathy. Readers feel Anne’s sorrow, love, and hope as if they were their own. Her words transcend time, offering a glimpse into the emotional struggles of a woman who, despite living in a vastly different era, experienced emotions that remain universal.
Conclusion
Anne Bradstreet’s A Letter to her Husband, absent upon Publick employment is a masterpiece of emotional expression. It captures the pain of separation and the enduring power of love through vivid imagery and heartfelt language. The poem serves as a testament to the timeless nature of human emotion, connecting readers across centuries.
As we reflect on this work, we are reminded of the beauty of poetry as a medium for exploring the depths of the human heart. Bradstreet’s words continue to inspire, offering comfort and understanding to those who have ever felt the ache of longing or the joy of love.
