21 pages 42 minutes read

Anne Bradstreet

Prologue

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1650

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In "Prologue," Anne Bradstreet explores the challenges faced by a female poet in a male-dominated literary world. Individuals writing within this framework express humility while asserting their creative potential. They acknowledge societal biases but affirm poetry's value beyond gender constraints, highlighting personal perseverance in seeking recognition for their work.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Anne Bradstreet's poem "Prologue" is celebrated for its insightful examination of gender roles and the struggles of a woman writer in a patriarchal society. Critics praise its ironic tone and skillful use of language. However, some note its initial adherence to self-deprecation. Overall, it is a powerful reflection of 17th-century constraints on female expression.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Prologue?

A reader drawn to Prologue by Anne Bradstreet likely enjoys exploring themes of gender and identity in early American literature. Comparable works include The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, as both delve into Puritan society and the roles of women. Such readers appreciate historical context and poetic expression.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Themes

Values/Ideas: Literature

Values/Ideas: Art

Values/Ideas: Equality