Welcome to Poem of the Day – The Prologue by Anne Bradstreet.
Anne Bradstreet, one of the first American poets, is known for her insightful, reflective poetry. Her poem “The Prologue” offers a look into her thoughts on the role of women in literature, her own writing, and her place in the literary world. In this article, we will break down the meaning and themes of “The Prologue” to better understand its significance and the impact it had on Bradstreet’s career.
The Prologue Explanation
Overview of “The Prologue”
Written in 1650, “The Prologue” serves as an introduction to Bradstreet’s book of poetry. In the poem, she expresses her thoughts about being a female poet in a male-dominated society. At the time, it was uncommon for women to write poetry, and Bradstreet’s work challenged these social norms.
The poem consists of 42 lines and is written in rhymed couplets. In it, Bradstreet uses a humble tone while addressing the audience. She acknowledges the limitations that come with being a woman and a writer, yet she still dares to present her work.
Theme of Gender and Society
One of the central themes of “The Prologue” is gender and the expectations placed on women. Bradstreet reflects on how society views women as incapable of producing great literature. She even admits that her writing is often dismissed by critics simply because she is a woman. In lines 19 and 20, she says:
“I am obnoxious to each carping tongue,
Who says my hand a needle better fits.”
Here, she highlights how her talents as a poet are often undermined, and instead, society expects women to focus on domestic duties like sewing. Bradstreet’s self-awareness and acknowledgment of these societal constraints reveal her struggle but also her resolve to write.
The Humble Poet
Bradstreet’s humility is another key aspect of the poem. While she is proud of her work, she is also careful not to appear boastful. She compares her poetry to the works of male writers, acknowledging their superiority while still expressing pride in her own accomplishments. This humility is evident in lines 21-24:
“Let Greeks be Greeks, and women what they are:
Men have precedency and still excel,
It is but vain unjustly to wage war:
Men can do best, and women know it well.”
By saying that men are naturally superior, she places herself humbly in the background of the literary world. Yet, in the same breath, she takes pride in her own writing, which speaks to her resilience and self-confidence as a female poet.
The Voice of a Female Poet
Bradstreet’s “The Prologue” is significant because it represents the voice of a female poet in a time when such a voice was rare. The poem illustrates her struggle for acceptance and recognition in the male-dominated literary world. By acknowledging the expectations and limitations placed on women, Bradstreet both accepts and challenges them, presenting herself as a strong and capable writer despite societal constraints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Prologue” by Anne Bradstreet is an important piece of literature because it addresses themes of gender, society, and the challenges faced by women in the field of writing. Through the poem, Bradstreet navigates the complexities of being a female poet in a male-dominated world. While humble, the poem also serves as a subtle defiance of the traditional roles assigned to women. “The Prologue” is a powerful testament to Bradstreet’s resilience and her unwavering dedication to her craft.
