interpretations. There are no right or wrong answers - - just varying theories. The poem "To My Dear and Loving Husband" by Anne Bradstreet is such a case. The poem is interpreted differently by different people, however two theories appear most evident. On a literal level there is a sincere meaning found in the poem. There is suitable evidence that support Bradstreet's sincere love, such as metaphors used, in addition to several lines in

the poem. As the reader goes deeper into the meaning of the poem he will realize there is more to the poem than the apparent. The poem tends to take on an ironic insight to the situation and there are indications that Bradstreet was trying to depict a different message to her husband. The justification for this ironic interpretation comes from the era in which the poem was written, the belief system of Puritans, metaphors used by Bradstreet, and many lines in the poem. This remarkable poem can be interpreted solely on the surface

level, however a deeper understanding may be evident after careful analysis of the hidden meaning.

When Bradstreet's poem is interpreted only on the surface level, a very literal

"If ever two were one, then surely we.

when we live no more, we may live ever" (Lines 11-12) she encourages her husband to continue on with their love, so when they die God will reward them with eternal life and love. This idea was a firm belief by Puritans in the era. Furthermore Bradstreet writes "I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold". (Line five) This means that she considers her husband not to be a possession, such as gold, which shows that she truly cares about him. Bradstreet also writes how her love for her husband could never run out. "My love is such that rivers cannot quench" (Line seven) This quote portrays the idea that their love is everlasting, as well as it says that her love is so strong that nothing could change her feelings. The final evidence of the sincerity of her vow of love is the fact that the first three lines:

If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;

If ever wife was happy in a man," (Lines 1-3)

the East Indies was a land where many North Americans (Bradstreet lived in

meaning of her love comes across. It is inferred that she was writing a sincere love poem to her husband. After reading the poem, the reader will have an initial impression that Bradstreet thinks that the love she shared with her husband was bigger than life itself. The general perception from the initial reading is that Bradstreet values her love greatly. An example of this significance occurs in the opening of the poem when she writes "If ever two were one, then surely we." (Line one) This line conveys to the reader that Bradstreet feels that she and her spouse are a team - - what happens to one, will happen to the other. Another thing Bradstreet did in this line was put herself and her husband on equal terms. Both ideas, that the husband and wife were a team and that they were equal, were not acceptable in Bradstreet's Puritan Society. Bradstreet was a devoted Puritan, (Department of English - University of Toronto, 1997) so when she went against her beliefs to write

penalty, which also explains the contradiction. The words "recompense" (Line eight), and "repay" (Line nine) show that Bradstreet has feeling of insecurity and even doubt, which she has to mask or repress because of the society she lives in. Another indication that this is not true love is that Bradstreet feels she has to repay her husband for the time they've spent. Obviously these feelings of "recompense" and "repay" are not those associated with real love. Another point that comes up is the comparisons made in the poem. When

this may have been a way for Bradstreet to voice her opinion without reprisal. In addition, the word "if" occurs at the beginning in each

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1809
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)