'We May Live Together' by Anne Bradstreet


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If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

Editor 1 Interpretation

#We May Live Together by Anne Bradstreet

As I read through Anne Bradstreet's We May Live Together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. Bradstreet's use of language and imagery is truly remarkable, and her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in such a concise and beautiful way is a testament to her mastery of the craft of poetry.

At its core, We May Live Together is a love poem - a celebration of the deep connection and sense of unity that can exist between two people who share a life and a home. But it is also much more than that. Bradstreet's poem speaks to universal themes of human experience, including the fragility of life, the importance of companionship, and the power of love to transform us.

One of the most striking things about We May Live Together is the way that Bradstreet uses language to create a sense of intimacy and closeness. Throughout the poem, she employs a number of rhetorical devices, including repetition, alliteration, and metaphor, to emphasize the depth of the bond between the two lovers. For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Bradstreet writes:

"If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee."

Here, Bradstreet uses repetition to drive home the idea that the two lovers are truly inseparable - that they are, in essence, 'one'. The use of the word 'surely' also adds an air of conviction and certainty to the statement, suggesting that this bond is something that is unbreakable and eternal.

Bradstreet also uses metaphor throughout the poem to highlight the transformative power of love. She writes:

"Our hands shall never be asunder, Our hearts shall never quake, We'll live together and love each other, And never any sorrow make."

Here, Bradstreet uses the image of hands being 'asunder' to represent the idea of separation - suggesting that the two lovers will never be parted from each other. She also references the idea of 'never any sorrow' - implying that their love is so powerful that it can protect them from the trials and tribulations of life.

Another notable aspect of We May Live Together is the way that Bradstreet uses imagery to convey a sense of domesticity and home. Throughout the poem, she references the idea of a shared 'household', and speaks of the two lovers living together in harmony and peace. For example, she writes:

"We'll build our house of living stones, And there we'll keep our treasure, While others fill their idle rooms With things of worldly pleasure."

Here, Bradstreet emphasizes the importance of a stable and loving home, and suggests that the two lovers will find true happiness and fulfillment in each other's company. The use of the phrase 'living stones' also adds a sense of permanence and solidity to the image, suggesting that their love is something that will endure for all time.

In conclusion, We May Live Together is a truly remarkable poem - a testament to Anne Bradstreet's skill as a writer and her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise and beautiful way. Through her use of language, imagery, and metaphor, Bradstreet creates a powerful and compelling portrait of love, companionship, and the joys of domestic life. Whether read as a celebration of marital love, or as a meditation on the human experience more broadly, this poem is a true masterpiece of the genre, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry We May Live Together: A Timeless Classic by Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet, one of the most prominent poets of the 17th century, is known for her exceptional poetry that reflects her Puritan beliefs and her personal experiences. Her poem, "Poetry We May Live Together," is a timeless classic that explores the power of poetry and its ability to bring people together. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by Bradstreet to convey her message.

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the power of poetry to bring people together. She states that poetry can unite people from different backgrounds and beliefs and create a sense of community. The speaker believes that poetry can transcend differences and bring people together in a shared experience of beauty and truth.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker uses the metaphor of a "golden chain" to describe how poetry can connect people. The chain represents the unity that poetry can create, linking people together in a shared experience. The use of the word "golden" emphasizes the value and importance of this connection.

In the second stanza, the speaker emphasizes the importance of poetry in times of hardship. She states that poetry can provide comfort and solace during difficult times. The speaker uses the metaphor of a "balm" to describe how poetry can heal wounds and ease pain. This metaphor emphasizes the healing power of poetry and its ability to provide comfort and support.

The third stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry can inspire people to action. The speaker states that poetry can motivate people to do good and make positive changes in the world. The use of the word "fire" in this stanza emphasizes the passion and energy that poetry can ignite in people. The speaker believes that poetry can inspire people to work towards a better future.

The fourth stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry can be a source of joy and pleasure. The speaker states that poetry can bring happiness and delight to people's lives. The use of the word "pleasure" in this stanza emphasizes the idea that poetry can be enjoyed for its own sake, without any deeper meaning or purpose.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings the themes of the poem together. The speaker states that poetry can bring people together in a shared experience of beauty and truth. She believes that poetry can unite people from different backgrounds and beliefs and create a sense of community. The use of the word "harmony" in this stanza emphasizes the idea that poetry can create a sense of unity and balance.

The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. It consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This regular structure emphasizes the poem's message of unity and harmony.

Bradstreet uses several literary devices in the poem to convey her message. The use of metaphor is particularly effective in this poem. The metaphor of the "golden chain" in the first stanza emphasizes the idea of unity and connection. The metaphor of the "balm" in the second stanza emphasizes the healing power of poetry. The metaphor of the "fire" in the third stanza emphasizes the passion and energy that poetry can ignite. These metaphors help to create a vivid and powerful image of the power of poetry.

Bradstreet also uses repetition in the poem to emphasize her message. The repetition of the word "together" throughout the poem emphasizes the idea of unity and connection. The repetition of the word "poetry" emphasizes the central theme of the poem and reinforces the idea that poetry is a powerful force for unity and harmony.

In conclusion, "Poetry We May Live Together" is a timeless classic that explores the power of poetry to bring people together. Anne Bradstreet's use of metaphor, repetition, and structure create a vivid and powerful image of the power of poetry. The poem's message of unity and harmony is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Bradstreet's poem reminds us of the importance of poetry in our lives and its ability to bring us together in a shared experience of beauty and truth.

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