Today we will pick up where we left off. We will start with information about our first author, Anne Bradstreet. Whoop WHOOP! Then, we will take a look at some of her work.
After we complete our discussion of Anne Bradstreet today, read her poem "Upon the Burning of Our House", and follow the steps of TWIST.
T= Title Read the title and stop. Predict what the poem will be about. Consider connotations of the wording.
W= What is it about? Paraphrase each LINE of the poem. Tell it in your own words
I= Imagery Look for any imagery, symbolism, metaphors, similes, personifications, irony, understatement, allusions, the tone shift, poet's attitude toward the subject, etc. These will help you understand the poem
S= Structure Look for tone shift, punctuation, stanza division, layout of poem, capitalized words. Discuss how these elements relate to the meaning of the poem
T= Theme Look at the title again from an interpretive level. Do you see anything new? What is the subject of the poem? Then determine what the poet is saying about each of the subjects which is your theme.
Then, reflect and answer these questions on your poem sheet:
1. Is Bradstreet demonstrating the morals and values of a "good" Puritan woman? Why or why not?
2. Throughout the poem, Bradstreet seems to struggle with her sorrow for losing her house. Why is she struggling with this, and how does she feel at the end of the poem?
