Bradstreet's "To the Memory of My Dear and Ever Honored Father Thomas Dudley Esq. Who Deceased July 31, 1653, and of His Age 77," and in her poem "In Memory of My Dear Grandchild Elizabeth Bradstreet, Who Deceased August, 1665, Being a Year and a Half Old," the poet comments on the deaths of beloved family members by drawing comparisons to plant life.
Compare and contrast the poet's use of imagery and figurative language in these two passages. Write in the third person, present tense (no "I" or "you"). You must consider the following questions in your discussion:
- What specific metaphors and similes does Bradstreet use, and to what effect? Be sure you understand the difference between these two figures of speech and that you make the distinctions clear in your response. Remember that the poet's use of figurative language is central to the topic; be specific and thorough. Also, keep in mind that you must do more than just point out examples of metaphors and similes. Discuss what the poet is saying through these figures of speech.
- Clearly, Bradstreet grieves for both her father and her grandchild. However, how does Bradstreet express differing attitudes toward the two deaths?
- What is the role of religious faith in the two poems? Are there any differences between the two poems in this regard?
Refer to the poet as "Bradstreet," not as "Anne." The full titles of the poems are long, so please shorten them to "Father" and "Grandchild" in your response. Also, stick to the given topic. Don't waste words providing background information, defining terms, or praising the poet or her works. Do not write more than two paragraphs.