Questions and Answers
Who does the speaker of 'To My Dear and Loving Husband' address?
her husband
What is the central idea of Anne Bradstreet's poem?
the love the speaker shares with her husband is deep and lasting
The first stanza of 'To My Dear and Loving Husband' is an example of Puritan Plain Style.
True
What chief emotions does the speaker in Bradstreet's poem express?
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Which of the following lines from the poem is an example of inversion?
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In the second stanza, what idea is made clear by the word 'prize' and the comparison to treasure?
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Since his love is too great for her to repay, what does the speaker wish for?
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In the following pairs of words, which words have opposite meanings: surrender/persevere?
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Which word below is closest in meaning to 'recompense'?
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What statement most accurately paraphrases this line from 'To My Dear and Loving Husband?' 'If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.'
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Study Notes
Overview of "To My Dear and Loving Husband"
- The poem is addressed to the speaker's husband, emphasizing their intimate relationship and bond.
- Central theme revolves around the enduring and profound love shared between the speaker and her husband.
Poetic Style
- The first stanza exemplifies Puritan Plain Style, characterized by simplicity and directness.
- Key lines highlight unity and the incomparable nature of their love.
Emotions Expressed
- The speaker conveys strong emotions of love and happiness in her marriage.
- A sense of pride and fulfillment in the relationship is evident throughout the poem.
Poetic Devices
- Inversion is noted in the line "Then while we live, in love let's so persevere," showcasing Bradstreet's stylistic choices.
- The word "prize" in the second stanza symbolizes the high value placed on love, akin to precious treasures.
Themes of Value and Reward
- The speaker recognizes that her husband's love is immeasurable, expressing a wish for divine acknowledgment and reward.
- The concept of recompense is central, wherein the speaker desires a form of payment for the love that she cannot match.
Vocabulary Insights
- Surrender and persevere represent opposite meanings, illustrating contrasting emotional states.
- The term "recompense" closely relates to "payment," further emphasizing the themes of love and reciprocal appreciation.
Paraphrasing and Interpretation
- A pivotal line, "If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee," translates to an assertion of unparalleled love, affirming the speaker's devotion.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Anne Bradstreet's poem 'To My Dear and Loving Husband' with these flashcards. Explore the speaker's relationship with her husband and the themes of deep and lasting love in this classic work of literature.
