Question

Summarize the meaning and purpose of "As Weary Pilgrim, Now at Rest." Describe the view that Anne Bradstreet takes in the poem.

Answer 1

As you look at the first half of the poem, Anne narrates what she "sees." It is a Christian person who dies and finds rest in heaven at the end of his/her life.

In the second half of the poem, Anne expresses her desire to be just like that Pilgrim, that she herself would find that rest at the end of her life. She is not saying that she wanted to die now, but simply basks in her eternal resting place that she looks forward to when all the hardships of this world are done. 

Answer 2

In "As Weary Pilgrim, Now at Rest," the speaker wishes another pilgrim farewell as death has taken him. She’s relieved that he no longer has to suffer and can rest peacefully. She too wishes to one day be free from these woes and ailments that age has brought upon her and then be with her deceased loved one. The poet views death as a calming and soothing event as seen in lines such as "This body shall in silence sleep" and "Oh, how I long to be at rest." The poet also seems to long for the afterlife, as corroborated by lines such as "And soar on high among the blest" and "Then soul and body shall unite/And of their Maker have the sight."