Anne Bradstreet's Concept Of Marriage

Marriage, From The Traditional to Untraditional

The concepts of marriage have changed, no, evolved over time. Today, the union through marriage of two individuals is very distinct from what it used to be. While in current times marriage is mostly considered and perceived as a union of love between two people, the concept of love in marriage in reality is a very contemporary notion. Marriage, while a voluntary choice today in most parts of the modern world, was nothing more than a union of convenience in past times. Love was nothing more than an afterthought idea. Marriage in the past has been mostly ruled by politics and overall convenience, disregarding the wishes of those involved. While today the concept of the traditional marriage is nothing

Poet Anne Bradstreet highlights her feelings of love and overall affection towards her husband in her 16th century poem, “To My Dear and Loving Husband” (425). Set during a time were marriage was nothing more than convenience and politics, Bradstreet’s poem gives great insight into how the concept of love was prevalent even during a time were it was never the main motive for marriage. Looking into Bradstreet’s life, she had every reason to have ill will towards her husband and the concept of marriage, as she led a very arduous life typical of a 16th century woman. She nevertheless divulges her feelings and emotions into a beautiful love poem to her husband emphasizing every detail, as to why she loves him and could never be happier by his side (Bradstreet 425). These feelings and concepts of love in a marriage although uncommon in the past, have matured and evolved into a standard perception for marriage today. Many married individuals or those in the process of getting married can greatly relate to Bradstreet’s affection towards her significant other, “I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold, Or all the riches that the East doth hold.”