Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10, 1666

1. Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10, 1666 by Anne Bradstreet

2. About the Author Mrs. Bradstreet journeyed to the New World in 1630 with her husband, a Puritan minister, when she was only 18 years old. She raised eight children and still found time for a creative outlet, writing poetry. Her poetry was inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. Being the modest young Puritan woman she was, she did not seek an audience nor publication for her work. Later, her brother-in-law published her poems in England, which at first she considered embarrassing, for women did not bring attention to themselves nor compete with male writers. Bradstreet�s work reflects both her spirituality and personal experiences.

3. Literary Elements in the Poem Inversion: words stated out of normal sequence in order to achieve rhyme Allusion: reference to something the reader should recognize Rhyme and rhythm: iambic pentameter Metaphor: comparison Rhetorical questions: asked for effect, not for answer Bradstreet�s imitation of Shakespeare�s style is obvious in her poetry. Locate examples of these elements in the poem.

4. Structure of the Poem Bradstreet organized her poem in three parts, each with a different tone: shock regret acceptance Locate specific lines as evidence of each tone.

5. The Main Idea Work with a partner to create a brief summary of the poem. It should include all three of Bradstreet�s changing reactions to the loss of her home. Make your summary three-pronged to illustrate the beginning, the middle, and the end of the poem. Use this template: ____(Something happens)___, yet ______________, so ___________________.