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(2014
midterm assignment) Sample Student Midterm Answers 2014 #2a: Short Essay (Favorite Passage) |
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Elizabeth Sorensen
Ann Bradstreet
My favorite passage from the course so far
is Anne Bradstreet’s poem, “In Reference to her Children.” Reading and
discussing this poem with the class made an impression on me because I felt a
strong connection to the text and also because I appreciate the use of metaphor
throughout Bradstreet’s writing.
Bradstreet begins her poem by telling her
readers how many children she has then she writes, “I nurst them up with pain
and care, No cost nor labour did I spare.” Her word choice tells a reader the
depth of her dedication to raising her eight children which is something almost
every mother can relate to. I felt an instant connection to the poem after these
lines because I am a mother and these words perfectly describe the pure
dedication I feel towards my son. The eighth and ninth stanzas were another
piece of the poem I felt a strong connection to. She writes, “If birds could
weep, then would my tears let others know what are my fears…” Every day since I
found out I was going to be a mother, I have felt a fear unlike any other fear.
It is a fear of any harm coming to your child that only a parent would
understand. The writing in these stanzas describes this kind fear and longing in
such beautiful words.
The use of metaphor throughout the poem took
Bradstreet’s writing to a completely new level. “I had eight birds hatcht in one
nest,” this opening line tells her readers that the birds she talks about in the
poem are her children. This is very important because even though she is talking
about her own children, a reader can easily place their own children into the
poem and easily relate to it like I did. She goes further and discusses her
children “taking flight” and “leaving the nest”. These metaphors are important
because they tell readers that her children are grown and moving on with their
own lives. I think the metaphor she uses throughout the poem paints such a
beautiful picture for any reader who enjoys this type of figurative language.
In my opinion, this poem is timeless.
Bradstreet’s word choice and use of metaphor makes her poem relatable to anyone,
especially mothers. I could even argue that being someone’s daughter and reading
this poem helped me relate because I know my mom feels the same way about me
that Bradstreet feels about her children. For me, literature is easiest analyzed
and discussed when there is a connection, and this poem worked well because I
felt a connection and I also enjoy metaphors.
