2.4 Early American Poetry

Early American poetry was shaped by Puritan values and religious beliefs. Poets like Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor explored themes of faith, morality, and spiritual struggles through their work, often using intricate metaphors and plain language.

Puritan aesthetics emphasized simplicity and clear expression of religious ideas. Poets used contemplative and metaphysical styles to explore complex theological concepts, while metrical psalms and works like the Bay Psalm Book served practical worship purposes in colonial communities.

Puritan Poets

Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672)

• First published female poet in colonial America
• Born in England and emigrated to Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630
• Poems reflect Puritan values of faith, morality, and the importance of family
• Major works include "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America" (1650) and "Several Poems Compiled with Great Variety of Wit and Learning" (1678)
• Poems often express personal struggles with faith, loss, and the challenges of colonial life ("Upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666")

Edward Taylor (1642-1729)

• Puritan minister and poet in Massachusetts
• Poems were not published during his lifetime but were discovered in the 20th century
• Known for his intricate and intellectually rigorous poetry that explores spiritual themes
• Major works include "Preparatory Meditations" and "God's Determinations"
• Poems showcase his deep theological knowledge and use of elaborate metaphors (comparing the soul to a spinning wheel in "Huswifery")

Puritan Aesthetics

• Emphasized plain style and clear expression of religious themes
• Viewed poetry as a means to glorify God and convey spiritual truths
• Avoided excessive ornamentation or wordplay that could distract from the message
• Valued didacticism and the use of poetry as a tool for moral instruction
• Reflected Puritan ideals of simplicity, humility, and the importance of spiritual contemplation

Poetic Styles

Contemplative Poetry

• Focused on introspection and spiritual reflection
• Explored the relationship between the individual soul and God
• Often used meditative techniques to achieve a heightened spiritual awareness
• Emphasized the importance of prayer, self-examination, and the pursuit of divine knowledge
• Examples include Anne Bradstreet's "Contemplations" and Edward Taylor's "Meditation 8"

Metaphysical Poetry

• Characterized by the use of elaborate conceits and extended metaphors
• Explored complex philosophical and theological ideas through poetic language
• Often featured wit, paradox, and intellectual playfulness
• Influenced by the works of English metaphysical poets like John Donne and George Herbert
• Examples include Edward Taylor's "Preface to God's Determinations" and his use of the conceit of the soul as a spinning wheel in "Huswifery"

Religious Works

Metrical Psalms

• Poetic adaptations of the biblical Psalms set to meter and rhyme
• Intended for congregational singing in Puritan church services
• Reflected the Puritan belief in the importance of scripture and communal worship
• Often featured simple, accessible language to facilitate memorization and participation
• Examples include the Bay Psalm Book and the Sternhold and Hopkins Psalter

Bay Psalm Book (1640)

• First book printed in British North America
• Compiled by a group of Puritan ministers, including John Eliot and Richard Mather
• Contained metrical translations of the Psalms adapted for singing in church services
• Reflected the Puritan commitment to creating a "New England" that adhered strictly to biblical principles
• Served as a model for subsequent editions of metrical psalms in colonial America