The primary purpose of Anne Bradstreet's poem, "Verses upon the Burning of our House," is to articulate her profound emotional and spiritual response to the traumatic loss of her home and nearly all her material possessions. Through her verses, Bradstreet grapples with the devastating impact of the fire while ultimately affirming her unwavering Puritan faith.
Understanding the Poem's Context and Intent
Authored by Anne Bradstreet after her home was destroyed by fire on July 10, 1666, the full title of the poem is "Here follow some verses upon the burning of our house, July 10, 1666." It serves as a deeply personal and reflective account of a deeply traumatic event.
The poem's purpose can be broken down into several key aspects:
- Expressing Personal Trauma: Bradstreet openly conveys the initial shock, sorrow, and pain caused by the destruction of her dwelling and all the earthly comforts within it. This includes the tangible loss of her belongings and the sentimental value attached to them.
- Grappling with Earthly Attachment: The verses illustrate Bradstreet's internal struggle as she mourns her worldly goods. She acknowledges the natural human tendency to value possessions and the difficulty of letting go of them.
- Affirming Religious Faith: Despite her personal grief, a central purpose of the poem is to redirect her focus from material loss to spiritual gain. Bradstreet, a devout Puritan, uses the calamity to reinforce her belief that true treasures are not found on Earth but in heaven. She reminds herself that her "hope and treasure lies above."
- Seeking Divine Consolation: The poem serves as a spiritual exercise for Bradstreet to find comfort and solace in God's providence. She rationalizes her loss by viewing it as God's will and a test of her faith, ultimately concluding that God is just and good even in adversity.
- Offering a Spiritual Lesson: While deeply personal, the poem also functions as a didactic piece, offering a lesson to herself and potentially to readers about the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and the enduring importance of spiritual wealth and devotion.
In essence, "Verses upon the Burning of our House" is a journey from profound worldly grief to a powerful spiritual affirmation, showcasing how faith can provide strength and perspective in the face of immense personal tragedy.
