The Works of Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley: The Birth of American Feminism

Anne Bradstreet and Phyllis Wheatley are, respectively, the first and third published female writers in America. The surprise to those unfamiliar with these writers comes upon discovery that Anne Bradstreet was also the first published poet in the New World, and that Phyllis Wheatley was an African slave. These two women not only overcame the difficulties of producing and publishing quality work, but overcame gender and racial difficulties as well. In both cases, the women wrote brilliant poetry while also gingerly testing the boundaries of what was acceptable.

Bradstreet writes about safe, acceptable topics such as Queen Elizabeth and the death of a pastor. However, she also writes about the physical aspects of her relationship with her husband, a topic which was surely taboo in strict Puritan society. In a poem concerning her husband's absence, she writes that while she misses him, and her "chilled limbs now lie forlorn," (AL, p264) she can do nothing but "view those fruits which through thy heat I bore." (AL, p264) Her only recourse, then, is to look at their children, and by them be reminded of him. This clashes with the Puritan idea that one must shun all earthly pleasures for the joy of Heaven

Bradstreet's struggles with religion are often apparent in her poetry. Though she demonstrates a great amount of faith, she is not above feeling resentment, confusion, and betrayal when things have gone badly for her. When three grandchildren die in a short period, Bradstreet writes that "More fool then I to look on that was lent / As if mine own." (AL, p268) Bradstreet wrestles with the desire to feel anger during a loss, though she knows the loss is the will of God.

Phyllis Wheatley, writing over a hundred years later, faced an entirely different set of problems. Wheatley was an African slave, and though she did have a better life than some slaves, this did not mean her life was easy. In addition to being female and a slave, Wheatley had in her thoughts the growing unrest of the colonies with Mother England. Because she had been given an education, Wheatley was able to express her thoughts, concerns, and hopes through poetry.