Welcome to Poem of the Day – Upon My Dear And Loving Husband His Going Into England by Anne Bradstreet.
Anne Bradstreet’s poem Upon My Dear And Loving Husband His Going Into England reflects the deep love and devotion she had for her husband, Simon Bradstreet, and her feelings as he prepared to leave for England in 1661. This poem reveals the tender emotions of a wife who is about to experience the pain of separation from her beloved, yet it also conveys her hope and faith in their enduring love. Through careful analysis, we can better understand the themes, structure, and significance of this heartfelt piece.
Upon My Dear And Loving Husband His Going Into England Explanation
Historical Context of the Poem
The historical context of Anne Bradstreet’s life plays a significant role in understanding the meaning behind her poem. Anne Bradstreet, born in 1612, was one of the first published American poets. Her husband, Simon Bradstreet, was a prominent Puritan leader and public official in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1661, Simon traveled to England on official business, and during his absence, Anne was left behind to manage the household and care for their children.
This poem, written during this period of separation, shows the emotional conflict that Anne experienced—love mixed with longing, and devotion tempered by the anxiety of parting. In the poem, we see how deeply Anne cherished her relationship with Simon, and how his absence was more than just a physical separation; it was an emotional challenge.
Structure and Form
The poem follows a rhymed couplet form, which is typical of many of Anne Bradstreet’s works. A couplet consists of two lines that rhyme and are usually written in iambic pentameter. This rhythmic structure enhances the poem’s flow and gives it a musical quality, drawing the reader in and reflecting the emotional rhythm of love, sorrow, and hope.
The language is straightforward and sincere, yet it carries a depth of emotion that is universally relatable. Bradstreet’s use of rhyme and meter also mirrors the steadfast nature of her love, which she conveys in each carefully crafted line.
Themes of Love and Separation
One of the primary themes of Upon My Dear And Loving Husband His Going Into England is the intense love Anne Bradstreet had for her husband. She expresses her sorrow at the thought of their separation but simultaneously emphasizes the strength and enduring nature of their bond.
In the opening lines, Bradstreet writes, “If ever two were one, then surely we. / If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.” These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, expressing the unparalleled and deep connection between the couple. The language is not just poetic, but also personal—Bradstreet is speaking from the heart. She sees her relationship with Simon as a rare and extraordinary example of love, something that transcends ordinary affection.
As Simon prepares to leave, Anne reflects on the unspoken promises of love and the strength of their marital bond. She does not frame the departure as an end, but rather as a temporary separation. This attitude reflects the Puritan values of faith, where enduring love is seen as eternal and unbreakable, regardless of the trials of life.
Faith in Eternal Love
Another key theme of the poem is Anne Bradstreet’s faith in the eternal nature of love. She expresses the belief that no earthly distance can weaken the bond between her and Simon. In the second half of the poem, Bradstreet writes, “Thy love is such that Rivers cannot quench, / Nor ought but love from thee give recompence.” Here, she suggests that even natural forces like rivers, which symbolize separation, cannot diminish the strength of her love. The idea that love is immortal and will endure beyond time and space is a central tenet of the poem.
Anne’s faith in this eternal love reflects her Puritan beliefs, in which the spiritual connection between two people can transcend the physical world. Her love for Simon is not just a human emotion, but a divine gift, one that will persist even after their earthly lives.
The Poem’s Emotional Tone
The emotional tone of the poem can be described as one of longing and devotion. Though Anne feels sorrow at the prospect of her husband’s absence, there is no bitterness or resentment. Instead, her words reflect a calm and quiet acceptance of the situation. This tone also suggests a deep trust in the love that they share, as well as a sense of peace about their eventual reunion.
Bradstreet’s sense of longing is softened by her belief that love is eternal and transcends time. The repeated emphasis on love’s strength throughout the poem serves as both a comfort and a reassurance, allowing her to endure the separation with patience and hope.
Conclusion
In Upon My Dear And Loving Husband His Going Into England Jan. 16, 1661, Anne Bradstreet expresses both the pain and the beauty of love. Through her sincere words, we are invited to understand the depth of her affection for Simon Bradstreet, as well as her belief in the enduring nature of their bond. The poem’s structure, themes of love and separation, and emotional tone combine to create a work that speaks not only to the particularities of Anne’s personal life but also to universal experiences of love, longing, and faith.
In reading Bradstreet’s poem, we are reminded of the strength of human connection and the hope that love offers, even in times of separation. This poem remains an enduring testament to the power of love, and its relevance continues to resonate with readers across generations.
