Feminist Poets Like Emily Dickinson And Anne Bradstreet

The society always queries about the role of women and for centuries, they have struggled to find their place in a world that is predominantly male oriented. The treatment of women was remarkably negative; they were expected to stay home and fulfil the domestic duties. Literature of that time embodies and mirrors social issues of women in society (Lecture on the Puritans). But, slowly and gradually, situation being changed: â€Å"During the first half of the 19th century, women s roles in society evolved in the areas of occupational, moral, and social reform. Through efforts such as factory movements, social reform, and women s rights, their aims were realized and foundations for further reform were established† (Lauter 1406). Feminist poets like Emily Dickinson and Anne Bradstreet talked substantially about feminism in different lights in the past two centuries. They were very vocal and assertive about their rights and the ‘rights for women’ in general. While th ey might have been successful at making a good attempt to obliterate gender biases but still there are lot of disparities between the two genders. Nevertheless, their poetry reflects a deep angst. Anne Bradstreet, an eighteen-year-old educated upper-class English woman, arrived in Salem in 1630 (Cowell 418). Two hundred years after Bradstreet’s arrival in America, in 1830, in a town about a hundred miles from Salem: Amherst, Emily Dickinson was born to a prominent local family that had established itself in the â€Å"newShow MoreRelatedWomen s Role For Literature887 Words   |  4 Pagesestablished† (Lauter 1406). Feminist poets like Emily Dickinson and Anne Bradstreet talked substantially about feminism in different lights in the past two centuries. They were very vocal and assertive about their rights and the ‘rights for women’ in general. While they might have been successful at making a good attempt to obliterate gender biases but still there are lot of disparities between the two genders. Nevertheless, their poetry reflects a deep angst. Anne Bradstreet, an eighteen-year-old educatedRead More Emily Dickinson and Adrienne Rich Essay2741 Words   |  11 PagesEmily Dickinson and Adrienne Rich The modernist period, stretching from the late 19th century to approximately 1960, is a very distinct phase in the progression of American literature, employing the use of novel literary techniques which stray away from the traditional literary styles observed in the time preceding the period. Modernist writers explore new styles themes, and content in their compositions, encompassing issues ranging from race (Kate Chopin) to gender (H.D.) to sexuality (JamesRead MoreFeminism in Adrienne Richs Poetry Essay2828 Words   |  12 PagesAdrienne Richs poetry serves a prophetic function by articulating the history and ideals of the feminist struggle. By recalling the ancient chthonic mysteries of blood and birth, by reconnecting daughters with their mothers, by drawing parallels between women today and their historical counterparts, and by envisioning the women of the future who will emerge from the feminist struggle, her poetry celebrates womens strength and possibilities. Elaborating h er vision, Rich brings a nurturing ethos