From an analysis of four poems written by Anne Bradstreet, each clearly displays the effect of gender on her poems. Examples of the impact of her gender are reflected in poems such as "To My Dear and Loving Husband," "A Letter to Her Husband," "The Author to Her Book," and "By Night when Others Soundly Slept." The effects of gender are evident from the expectation of women's reputation during the time period of the 1600's; the motherly responsibilities and obligations; and the dependency on men in society.
The poem "To My Dear and Loving Husband," can relate to no other than a woman's need to express her love to her dear and loving husband. The poem is written to summarize and compare the affection and emotions involved with being in love with a man. Bradstreet simplistically brags of the magnitude of her love towards her mate, as to other women's with their mates. "Compare with me, ye women, if you can," shows the feelings are incomparable defined in," if you can." Also in line "Thy love is such a way I can no way repay," refers to Bradstreet's inability to repay in return for her husband's love. This is from the dependence she feels for the male in the family. Males were the labor workers and providers society, and females were left to tend the house and responsible for the education of the children. Males, being the provider, were thus given a more reputable position in society than females. This is how a woman's heart, and the age she lived through, affects her poetry. .
In "A Letter to Her Husband," there are more references that clarify her social values as a woman. The line, "True living pictures of their father's face," indicates that she wants her children to closely resemble her husband. Bradstreet envisions them with their father's face instead of her own to grant and wish them a life as good as her husband's and better than her own. Also, in the line, "The welcome house of him my dearest guest," refers once again to a woman's heart and how the husband will be honored, received, and treasured by her.
