The Struggle In Anne Bradstreet's The Flesh And The Spirit

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During the early sixteenth-century Puritans were able to establish colonies along the east coast of North America. It was uncommon for women to publish literature and were often ridiculed for their work. For Anne Bradstreet, most of her work were kept private. The poem, “The Flesh and the Spirit” is carefully structured as the author stands as an observer of an argument. This particular reading could have been a reflection of Puritan life struggles which may have been difficult during the mid-1600s. Bradstreet begins her poem of stumbling across a conversation of two sisters near the banks of Lacrim flood. Almost immediately the author describes the differences between the two sisters as they dispute over material items.
The conversation begins …show more content…

She continues to state that these riches are obtainable and shouldn’t be wasted, “Than eyes can see or hands can hold” (ln 32), and wants her to grasp as much in her life as she says, “Earth hath enough of what you will” (ln 34). The argument continues to further upset Flesh’s frustration, but only to bring out how materialistic she really is. On the other hand, Spirit views that the natural materials are there for temptation and that she would be able to relish in all the heavens promises, “The City where I hope to dwell, / There’s none on Earth can parallel” (ln. 85-86). As Spirit displays the wondrous afterlife, she doesn’t deny the jubilant pleasures that would be rewarded for her, but it would only be the eternal materials that she herself …show more content…

This poem would place the reader of this time to question their puritan choices in choosing the right path. One could indulge sinful desires now and risk heaven’s riches rather than waiting to have it at the end. It is mentioned, “There’s none on Earth can Parallel” (ln 86) suggesting that material items such as silver, pearls, and gold that you could have now aren’t even closely compared to what heaven could fulfill as a reward for good faith. The reader could sense the poet’s feelings are emphasized towards Spirit strong will against Flesh’s hostility. Flesh will not remain forever pure, “For things unclean there shall not be. / If I of Heav’n may have my fill”

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