Analysis Of The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up In America

The society has completely changed from the Early Colonial Era. In the 17th century, women were seen as objects and incapable to learn. They were not allowed to complete a task that was meant for a man. However, Anne Bradstreet was an educated woman living in a time when society was narrowly defined. Her poem, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America (1650), was taken without her knowing and published without her consent by her brother in law. In result, The Author of Her Book (1678) was published as a response to her stolen poem; it also portrayed the roles of women in the early times. To add on, The Examination of Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, at the Court of Newton (1637) also displayed the regulations toward women during the time. Anne Hutchinson

was also a highly educated woman. At first she was to explain Cotton’s address, but later she started to preach her own sermons.

In this passage, a man named Governor John Winthrop called Anne Hutchinson to court. He claimed she committed a crime because she shared publicized her opinions. On the contrary, Benjamin Franklin displays the appreciation for the women in a Native tribe. Franklin was one of the first people who advocated the abolishment of inequality. Therefore, he wrote Notes Concerning the Savages (1784) to draw attention to the hypocrisy buried in the American society. In this passage, he compares the American culture to the Native American culture. He evaluates the roles of women as evidence to the idea that Americans are treating the Native Americans with injustice. There are many passages written that conveys the role of women throughout the early times; such as: Backstreet’s poem, Hutchinson's trial, and Franklin’s

description.
To begin with, Bradstreet portrays the role of women through her embarrassment. For example, she says “...Where errors were not lessened (all may judge). At thy return my blushing was not small…” (212). Her embarrassment shows that women did not write poetry in 1678. She was the first women in the Colonial Era to have a document published under her name. Therefore, she may have felt that she represented the women in her community. Her piece gained publicity because it was uncommon for women to even consider writing a poem, which caused curiosity. However, it was not what she wanted. The fact that he brother-in-law thought it was permissible to take a woman’s belongings, without permission, shows that she was not respected. According to Professor Bernstein, many people were concerned because they thought that she would neglect her duties, as a women, to pursue writing. Their ultimate role during the Colonial Era was to take care of anything that might trouble the men; for example: cooking, taking care of the children, housework, and etc. This shows that men valued their work but did not care about them as humans.
Additionally, Hutchinson’s court case shows women’s restrictions in the Early Colonial Era.

For example, when Winthrop says “... the general assembly as a thing not tolerable nor comely in the sight of God nor fitting for your sex…” (240). He uses the words “not tolerable… to your sex” to further emphasize the different roles enforced for different genders. This shows that women living in Early Colonial Era were not allowed to do things they wished because they were seen as objects. According to Winthrop, women were only to agree with the church and government. They were not allowed to have their own opinions. She was later banned from the Massachusetts Bay colony because the jury was easily convinced by the society’s view of women. Giving lectures was seen as a task only a man can do. Because it was uncivil for a woman to publicize her beliefs, Winthrop was able to convince the jury to ban Hutchinson from their

colony.
However, Franklin tells the audience that the Native American women were valued in their community. In his passage when he writes, “The business of the women is to take exact notice of what passes, imprint it in their memories… and communicate it to their children.” (219). They are very important to the Native community because they are in charge of educating the next generation. They influence their young by informing them of the tragic events that have happened. It allows them realize what they need prevent in order to keep a peaceful atmosphere. This allows them to be more responsible because they are cautious of their ancestors’ actions. In 1775, the Native American women did not have paper to document events. Therefore, they were to memorize anything that happened in the past and pass them on to the young. Often times, they would tell stories that happened decades ago.
All in all, women were seen as objects in the 17th century. Their ultimate responsibility was to make men’s lives easier. Therefore, it was uncommon for them to write poems and form their own opinions. The public’s anger to Bradstreet’s poem shows that men did not value them as people. This is also portrayed in Hutchinson’s trial. She was banished from her home because she was accused of sharing her opinions of the Puritan faith to others. Because it was uncommon for a woman to publicize her opinions, it allowed Winthrop to successfully banish her from the colony. This simple cultural idea shows that women were not seen as humans. However, Franklin tells the audience how the Native Americans treat their women. They were important to the community because they were trusted with the education of the young. The task challenged them to mold the children into great leaders that will eventually take charge in the future. The American society today gives women a right to be their own individual person. Nowadays, the public notices the fact that women are capable of doing anything a man can do. However, sexism still exists in the world. Today, women are televised as “The First Lady” or “The First Woman…” They have come a long way to earn the title that they have received, making all the boycotts and protests worth it.