Bradstreet vs. Wheatley essays

Bradstreet vs. Wheatley essays Anne Bradstreet vs. Phillis Wheatley If ever two were one, then surely we (Bradstreet, 1) 1... Celestial choir Enthrond in realms of light (Wheatley, 1) 2... So began two well-known poems by two well-known poets. In the poem To My Dear and Loving Husband, Anne Bradstreet used writing techniques unique to the Puritan era. Consequently, Phillis Wheatley approached her poem To His Excellency, General Washington in fashion of the Age of Reason. Even though the two women were born over 150 years apart, they were both landmark writers. Their poetry was drastically different: one drew on biblical references and used simple language; the other used philosophical meaning and poetic devices. Although, undoubtedly, Bradstreet and Wheatley were two epitomic writers of their respective times, Phillis Wheatleys poetry was more thoughtful and stylish than the poetry of Anne Bradstreet. The first major difference between the two styles of writing came from the use of writing techniques. On one hand, Anne Bradstreet exemplified the Puritan Plain Style in To My Dear and Loving Husband. Bradstreet did not use any extra language that was not necessary. Instead, her lyric is purely straight forward, and to the point: If ever man were lovd by wife, then thee (2). On another hand, Phillis Wheatley used a variety of devices in To His Excellency, General Washington, which was commonly seen during the Age of Reason For example, she used alliteration. In the seventh line of that poem, she said, See the bright beams of heavens revolving light. In another line, she alliterated Thy evry action let the goddess guide (40). Another device Wheatley used was personification. She compared America to the goddess, Columbia: She flashes dreadful in refulgent arms (3) and For in their hopes...