'Upon a Fit of Sickness,Anno 1632 Aetatis Suae, 19' by Anne Bradstreet


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Twice ten years old not fully told
since nature gave me breath,
My race is run, my thread spun,
lo, here is fatal death.
All men must die, and so must I;
this cannot be revoked.
For Adam's sake this word God spake
when he so high provoked.
Yet live I shall, this life's but small,
in place of highest bliss,
Where I shall have all I can crave,
no life is like to this.
For what's this but care and strife
since first we came from womb?
Our strength doth waste, our time doth haste,
and then we go to th' tomb.
O bubble blast, how long can'st last?
that always art a breaking,
No sooner blown, but dead and gone,
ev'n as a word that's speaking.
O whilst I live this grace me give,
I doing good may be,
Then death's arrest I shall count best,
because it's Thy decree;
Bestow much cost there's nothing lost,
to make salvation sure,
O great's the gain, though got with pain,
comes by profession pure.
The race is run, the field is won,
the victory's mine I see;
Forever known, thou envious foe,
the foil belongs to thee.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Analysis: Upon a Fit of Sickness, Anno 1632 Aetatis Suae, 19 by Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet was a Puritan poet who lived in the 17th century, and her poetry was heavily influenced by her faith and her daily life. In her poem, "Upon a Fit of Sickness, Anno 1632 Aetatis Suae, 19," Bradstreet reflects on her own mortality and the struggles she faced during a period of illness. This poem is a powerful representation of the Puritan mindset and the way in which faith was used to cope with the hardships of life.

Structure and Style

Bradstreet's poem is written in a modified version of the heroic couplet, a poetic form that was popular in the 17th century. Each couplet is composed of two rhyming lines of iambic pentameter, which creates a smooth and flowing rhythm. However, Bradstreet's use of enjambment disrupts this rhythm and emphasizes the emotional content of the poem.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct focus. The first stanza sets the scene and describes Bradstreet's physical condition. The second stanza focuses on her emotional response to her illness, while the third stanza reflects on her faith and her relationship with God.

Analysis

The poem begins with a description of Bradstreet's physical state, as she lies in bed, weak and helpless. She describes herself as "sick of th'world's vain strife," which suggests that her illness has caused her to question the value of earthly pursuits. The use of the word "vain" emphasizes the temporary nature of human endeavors and suggests that Bradstreet is seeking something more meaningful.

In the second stanza, Bradstreet reflects on her emotional state during her illness. She describes her fear and uncertainty, as well as her longing for the comfort of her family and home. She also expresses her desire to be reunited with God, which suggests that her illness has caused her to consider her own mortality and the eternal nature of the soul.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful expression of Bradstreet's faith and her trust in God. She acknowledges that she is "weak and helpless," but she also believes that God is "strong and merciful." She expresses her gratitude for God's love and comfort, and she looks forward to the day when she will be reunited with Him in heaven.

Interpretation

Bradstreet's poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the Puritan belief in predestination, which held that God had already determined who would be saved and who would be damned. In this context, Bradstreet's illness can be seen as a test of her faith, a challenge that she must endure in order to prove herself worthy of salvation.

However, the poem also suggests that Bradstreet's illness has led her to question the value of earthly pursuits and to seek a deeper, more meaningful connection with God. Her desire to be reunited with Him suggests that she sees her illness as an opportunity to strengthen her faith and to prepare herself for the afterlife.

Overall, "Upon a Fit of Sickness, Anno 1632 Aetatis Suae, 19" is a powerful expression of the Puritan mindset and the way in which faith was used to cope with the hardships of life. Bradstreet's use of the heroic couplet and her skillful manipulation of rhythm and enjambment create a poem that is both emotionally evocative and structurally complex.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Anne Bradstreet is one of the most celebrated poets of the 17th century. Her works are known for their emotional depth and vivid imagery. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry Upon a Fit of Sickness, Anno 1632 Aetatis Suae, 19." This poem is a powerful expression of the poet's struggle with illness and her desire to find solace in writing.

The poem begins with the lines, "Twice ten years old not fully told / Since nature gave me breath." These lines establish the poet's youth and vulnerability. She is only nineteen years old and already facing a serious illness. The use of the word "breath" is also significant, as it suggests the fragility of life and the poet's awareness of her own mortality.

The second stanza of the poem describes the physical symptoms of the poet's illness. She writes, "My body's weak, the time is spent, / The winter storms agen." The use of the word "weak" emphasizes the poet's physical vulnerability, while the reference to "winter storms" suggests the harshness of her illness. The imagery of winter also suggests a sense of isolation and loneliness, as the poet is cut off from the outside world by her illness.

Despite her physical weakness, the poet finds solace in writing. She writes, "My pen and ink, my heart doth think, / What others trifle at." This line suggests that writing is not just a hobby for the poet, but a vital means of expression. The use of the word "heart" also suggests that writing is a deeply emotional experience for the poet.

The fourth stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The poet writes, "My pains, perhaps, in prose or rhymes / May deck themselves in glory." This line suggests that the poet's suffering can be transformed into something beautiful through the act of writing. The use of the word "glory" suggests that the poet sees writing as a means of transcending her physical limitations and achieving a kind of immortality.

The final stanza of the poem is a prayer for healing. The poet writes, "O make me worthy to be loved, / And thy salvation see." This line suggests that the poet sees her illness as a test of her faith. She is asking God to help her find meaning in her suffering and to guide her towards a deeper understanding of his love.

Overall, "Poetry Upon a Fit of Sickness, Anno 1632 Aetatis Suae, 19" is a powerful expression of the poet's struggle with illness and her desire to find solace in writing. The poem is notable for its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and spiritual themes. It is a testament to the power of poetry to transform suffering into something beautiful and meaningful.

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