Language
In “To Her Father with Some Verses” Anne Bradstreet uses a mixture of relatively simple modern English and more complicated archaic English. The overall structure of the poem may be considered quite bizarre, yet it is sufficiently readable and not too difficult to understand. Even though the language may appear rather formal and sublime, the comprehension of that poem does not require any special effort.
Tone
In that poem, Anne Bradstreet uses a self-deprecating tone to emphasize the message of her achievements being nothing compared to the hard long-term work of her father. Bradstreet admits that she has not done much yet and she feels in debt “my stock’s so small I know not how to pay”. On the other hand, she expresses admiration for her father stating “who can of right better demand the same” implying his caring attitude toward her. Such contrast in tone reinforces the main idea of the poem.
Theme
The theme of this poem is in close correlation with the aspects of parent-child relationships. The core message is that parents put so much effort into raising a child that kids shall pay tribute to their parents for the rest of their life. Bradstreet feels herself in a debt to her father as she states “if the worth in me or ought I do appear”. The author also mentions trying to find a way to pay that debt, becoming worthy of the parentage finally. However, she then concludes that there is no way to pay that kind of debt until she dies, stating, “such is my bond, none can discharge but I, Yet paying is not paid until I die”. Such a statement may seem to imply that death is the price, nevertheless, it means that living your life with honor and dignity is the only way to repay your parents. Moreover, any person shall never let his parents down until the end. Another aspect of the poem’s theme is gratitude to her father for all the love, care, and protection.
Symbols and Metaphors
Throughout the poem, financial and economic matters are used as a metaphor for the effort that takes place in their relationships with her father. Bradstreet compares her father’s love and cares to an immeasurable investment, whereas her deeds and actions are just a small tribute to the unpayable debt. The narrator states “My stock’s so small I know not how to pay, My bond remains in force unto this day” meaning even though she did not achieve much yet, she is not going to stop. The author also refers to the poem itself as a “simple mite” and asks her father to take it as part payment for her debt. In addition, she depicts that poem or even everything she achieved in her life yet as a crumb. Bradstreet also mentions the principle, which “might yield a greater sum”, using that as a symbol of her father’s faith in his daughter. Almost every line of that short poem contains a symbol or a metaphor.
Moral
With the help of “To Her Father with Some Verses” Anne Bradstreet teaches people to appreciate all the titanic work, their parents have done to raise their children. The narrator sends out a message about the importance of gratitude and respect toward parents. In addition, she fosters the matter of duty, making the reader think of their actions and encouraging living a more honorable dignified life for the sake of parents.
Personal Attitude
I agree with the poem’s straightforward message and its subtext for the most part. I do believe, that children should be grateful to their parents and may even feel obliged to think carefully of their actions not to ever let their parents down. However, I disapprove of the idea of self-deprecating and understatement of a person’s achievements. Even though I understand it may have been done to underline the message of the poem, I believe it is crucial not to lower your self-esteem on purpose.
Reference
Bradstreet, Anne. “To Her Father with Some Verses.”Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, 2021. Web.