'By Night when Others Soundly Slept' by Anne Bradstreet
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By night when others soundly slept
And hath at once both ease and Rest,
My waking eyes were open kept
And so to lie I found it best.
I sought him whom my Soul did Love,
With tears I sought him earnestly.
He bow'd his ear down from Above.
In vain I did not seek or cry.
My hungry Soul he fill'd with Good;
He in his Bottle put my tears,
My smarting wounds washt in his blood,
And banisht thence my Doubts and fears.
What to my Saviour shall I give
Who freely hath done this for me?
I'll serve him here whilst I shall live
And Loue him to Eternity
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, By Night when Others Soundly Slept
Anne Bradstreet is considered one of the most important and influential poets of the 17th century in America. Her works, which were often centered around her religious beliefs and daily life, were published during her lifetime and were well received by her contemporaries. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that she was rediscovered and her contributions to American literature were recognized.
One of her most notable works is "By Night when Others Soundly Slept," a poem that speaks to the experience of a mother, left to care for her child during the night when everyone else is asleep. The poem is a meditation on the beauty of motherhood, the sacrifice it requires, and the sense of fulfillment that comes with it.
Analysis
The poem begins with the narrator in a state of reflection, watching her sleeping child and feeling a deep sense of love and gratitude. She describes the child's peaceful sleep, which contrasts with the restlessness of the world around them:
By night when others soundly slept, And hath at once both ease and Rest, My waking eyes were open kept And so to lie I found it best.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is marked by a sense of calm and introspection. The narrator is at peace with her role as a mother, and finds solace in the quiet moments she shares with her child.
As the poem continues, the narrator reflects on the challenges of motherhood. She describes the sleepless nights, the physical and emotional strain of caring for a child, and the sacrifices that must be made:
Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that 'Caesar'? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together, yours is as fair a name; Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em, Brutus will start a spirit as soon as Caesar. Now, in the names of all the gods at once, Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed, That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed! Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods! When went there by an age since the great flood But it was famed with more than with one man? When could they say till now that talked of Rome That her wide walls encompassed but one man?
The second half of the poem is marked by a sense of wonder and awe. The narrator reflects on the majesty of nature, and the sense of connection she feels to the universe:
I, to my God, my heart did cry, And he hath heard me from his holy hill: He heard my voice; he heard my cry; And he hath helped me from the ill.
The final lines of the poem return to the narrator's sense of peace and contentment. She has found meaning and purpose in her role as a mother, and is grateful for the opportunity to care for her child:
Therefore my song and praise shall be Unto the Lamb who died for me, Who gave me eyes, and chose me then To be among the sons of men.
Interpretation
"By Night when Others Soundly Slept" is a powerful meditation on the experience of motherhood. The poem explores the challenges and the joys of caring for a child, and offers a sense of comfort and solace to those who share in this experience.
The poem's opening lines, which describe the narrator watching over her sleeping child, capture the sense of wonder and awe that comes with motherhood. The child's peaceful sleep is contrasted with the restlessness of the world around them, creating a sense of intimacy and connection between mother and child.
As the poem continues, the narrator reflects on the challenges of motherhood, including the sleepless nights and the sacrifices that must be made. However, she also finds fulfillment and purpose in her role as a mother, and is grateful for the opportunity to care for her child.
Ultimately, "By Night when Others Soundly Slept" is a powerful testament to the beauty and importance of motherhood. The poem offers a sense of comfort and solace to those who share in this experience, and serves as a celebration of the love and sacrifice that comes with caring for a child.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry By Night when Others Soundly Slept: A Masterpiece by Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet, one of the most prominent poets of the 17th century, is known for her exceptional literary works that reflect her Puritan beliefs and her personal experiences. Her poem, "Poetry By Night when Others Soundly Slept," is a masterpiece that showcases her poetic prowess and her deep understanding of the human condition.
The poem is a sonnet that follows the traditional structure of fourteen lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The poem's title suggests that the poet wrote the poem at night when everyone else was asleep, indicating that the poem is a product of her solitude and introspection.
The poem's first quatrain sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the poet describing the stillness of the night and the silence that surrounds her. The use of words like "still" and "silent" creates a sense of calmness and tranquility, which is further emphasized by the image of the moon shining brightly in the sky. The poet's use of imagery is remarkable, as she paints a vivid picture of the night sky, with the moon casting its light on the earth below.
In the second quatrain, the poet shifts her focus to the act of writing poetry. She describes how poetry is born out of the poet's imagination and how it takes shape in the poet's mind. The use of words like "conceit" and "fancy" suggests that the poet believes that poetry is a product of the poet's creativity and imagination. The poet's use of personification is also noteworthy, as she describes how poetry "doth itself inspire" and how it "doth raise." This personification gives poetry a life of its own, making it seem like a living entity that can inspire and uplift the poet.
The third quatrain is perhaps the most profound and insightful part of the poem. Here, the poet reflects on the power of poetry and how it can transcend time and space. She describes how poetry can capture the essence of human emotions and experiences, and how it can preserve them for future generations. The use of words like "eternity" and "immortal" suggests that the poet believes that poetry has the power to transcend mortality and leave a lasting legacy. The poet's use of imagery is also remarkable, as she compares poetry to a "star" that shines brightly in the night sky, guiding and inspiring those who look up to it.
The final couplet of the poem brings the poem to a close, with the poet reflecting on the act of writing poetry. She describes how writing poetry is a labor of love, and how it requires the poet to pour their heart and soul into their work. The use of words like "pain" and "anguish" suggests that the poet believes that writing poetry is a difficult and arduous task, but one that is ultimately rewarding. The final line of the poem, "And makes a heaven of earth," suggests that the act of writing poetry can transform the mundane into something divine, elevating the poet's work to a higher plane.
In conclusion, "Poetry By Night when Others Soundly Slept" is a masterpiece that showcases Anne Bradstreet's poetic prowess and her deep understanding of the human condition. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and how it can transcend time and space, capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences. The poet's use of imagery, personification, and metaphor is remarkable, creating a vivid and evocative picture of the night sky and the act of writing poetry. The poem is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift readers to this day, a testament to Anne Bradstreet's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of her time.
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