The Puritan religion was restrictive to all who practiced and was even harder for women. During that time period most women were taught to read but not to write. This was so they could read the Bible, but there was no reason for them to write. Anne Bradstreet was unusual because she had learned to read and write.
Life was hard for a Puritan wife. She was the keeper of the household; she would spin, sew, preserve food, cook and clean, at the same time caring for children. The women were expected to bear multiple children and when they were not in labor they were supposed to be mid-wifes to those women who were. Anne Bradstreet bore 8 children during her time, but most women then had many more. Women during this time were prone to illness due to the hard days of work.
Dress was strictly enforced as well. A woman was forbidden by law to wear any type of lace. The length of the sleeves was also decided by law. They wore an undershirt, on top of that a corset, then a long petticoat. That was just the undergarments. The outer wear was a gown and a skirt. But this skirt had to drag the floor, because it was "unladylike" to show ankles. They also had to wear a covering over their hair.
Women could not participate in town meetings in a Puritan society, as well as decision making in the church. Church attendence was mandatory. They stuck very strictly to the Bibles word and any who strayed would be punished accordingly. Women who committed acts of adultry were made to wear a scarlet letter A on them at all times so they could be laughing stock of the colony.
The life of a Puritan in Colonial New England was very difficult. They stayed true to the Bible, worked the fields, and preached the word of God. For a Puritan women though life was much different. They were supposed to take care of a house, a massive family, any livestock they might have had, and still attend church and help out where ever the men would need them. Anne Bradstreet was a iconic figure because in spite of all the hardships she faced, she managed to become one of America's most infamous poets and writers today. Her poems are read across the nation to this day. I am amazed at how much she was able to accomplish in spite of her hardships.
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