Anne Bradstreet's 'Upon the Burning of Our House'

Questions and Answers

What date does the poem 'Upon the Burning of Our House' refer to?

June 10, 1666

July 10, 1666 (correct)

July 10, 1665

August 10, 1666

Who is the author of 'Upon the Burning of Our House'?

Anne Bradstreet

Who is the speaker in the poem?

A woman whose house is burning

What is the occasion of the poem?

Fire, burning of a house Signup and view all the answers

Who is the audience of the poem?

Herself Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the poem?

Material things don't matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the subject of the poem?

Woman's house Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the poem?

Sand and goes to hope Signup and view all the answers

Provide evidence for the purpose of the poem.

And when I could no longer look, I blest His name that gave and took, That laid my goods now in the dust: Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just. It was His own, it was not mine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second part of the poem about?

Remembering the memories Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'Then straight I 'gin my heart to chide, And did thy wealth on earth abide? Didst fix thy hope on mold'ring dust? The are of flesh didst make thy trust? Raise up thy thoughts above they sky That dunghill mists away may fly.'?

'Is this where I put my hope?' (in material things) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'Thou hast a house on high erect, Framed by that mighty Architect, With glory richly furnished, Stands permanent and paid for too By Him who hath enough to do.'?

House burned down doesn't matter; God has an eternal house for us. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poem Overview

Title: "Upon the Burning of Our House"
Date: July 10, 1666
Author: Anne Bradstreet, the first published American poet

Poem Elements

Speaker: A woman reflecting on her home burning.
Occasion: The traumatic event of her house being consumed by fire.
Audience: The speaker addresses herself, contemplating her loss.
Purpose: To convey that material possessions are insignificant compared to spiritual wealth.

Tone and Themes

Tone: A journey from lamentation and grief to hope and acceptance.
Subject: The loss of the speaker's home and the emotional turmoil it causes.

Evidence Supporting Purpose

Quote: "And when I could no longer look, I blest His name that gave and took," shows acceptance of God's will and the transient nature of belongings.
The speaker acknowledges that everything earthly is temporary.

Poems' Structure and Reflections

Second Part: Memorabilia and reflections on past experiences in the now-ruined home.
Lines like "My sorrowing eyes aside did cast" show the speaker's deep sense of loss tied to personal memories associated with the space.

Materialism vs. Spiritual Richness

Critical Reflection: The lines questioning the placement of hope in "mold'ring dust" emphasize the futility of clinging to material wealth.
The speaker challenges herself to elevate her thoughts above earthly concerns.

Eternal Perspective

Quote: "Thous hast an house on high erect," indicates faith in a divine, eternal dwelling provided by God, contrasting the destruction of her physical home with the promise of spiritual permanence.

Description

Explore key concepts and vocabulary from Anne Bradstreet's poem 'Upon the Burning of Our House.' This quiz includes essential details such as the author, speaker, and the occasion surrounding the poem. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this significant work.