Question

In the poem, Anne Bradstreet discusses the themes of death and solace, or relief from pain. Analyze the development of these themes in the poem. How and why does the speaker relate these two concepts? Cite evidence from the poem to support your answer.

Answer 1

Anne Bradstreet discusses the beauty of death and how it can alleviate any worldly sorrow. Upon death, one feels no more pain; one just feels relief. Initially, Bradstreet speaks about the death of a loved one and how that person will suffer no more. As we read further, she too begins to wish for death to take away her suffering, brought upon by age. The lines "And my clay house mold'ring./ Oh, how I long to be at rest" corroborate this view.