1. Personal Expression: She used poetry as a way to express her personal experiences, emotions, and reflections on life. Her poems often explored themes of faith, family, love, loss, and the complexities of her life as a woman in 17th-century colonial America.
2. Religious Devotion: Bradstreet was deeply religious and believed that her writing was a way to glorify God. Her poems often reflected her Puritan beliefs and explored biblical themes.
3. Family and Social Connections: Bradstreet shared her poems with her family and friends, building connections and preserving memories. Her poetry also served as a way to document and celebrate the lives of her family members.
4. Literary Ambition: While Bradstreet didn't see herself as a professional writer, she was ambitious and hoped to be recognized for her literary talent. She actively sought feedback on her work and eventually had some of her poems published.
5. Educational Value: Bradstreet's writing reflected the educational opportunities available to women in her time. She was self-taught and honed her skills through constant practice and study. Her poetry demonstrates the power of education and its role in shaping an individual's voice and worldview.
6. Legacy and Influence: Although her work was initially published anonymously, Anne Bradstreet's poetry eventually gained recognition and influenced later generations of American writers. Her poems provide valuable insights into the lives and experiences of early American women.
Overall, Anne Bradstreet's poetry was driven by a combination of personal expression, religious devotion, familial connection, literary ambition, and a desire to leave a lasting legacy.