Martha Wadsworth Brewster stands as an important yet often overlooked figure in early American literature. As an 18th Century American poet, she contributed to the early foundations of American poetry during a time when the literary scene was largely dominated by men. Her works offer unique insight into the life, beliefs, and poetic style of a woman writer in colonial America. In this article, we will explore Brewster’s life, her poetry, and her place within the broader context of 18th Century American poetry. We will also compare her contributions to those of her contemporaries to better understand her literary significance.
Martha Wadsworth Brewster
Martha Wadsworth Brewster was born in the early 18th century, around 1710, in the American colonies. She grew up during a time of social and political change, where the colonies were beginning to assert their identity separate from British influence. Brewster’s education, while limited compared to modern standards, was substantial for a woman of her time, allowing her to read and write proficiently.
Her family background and social standing allowed her access to books and ideas that many women could not easily obtain. This foundation played a crucial role in shaping her literary talents. Brewster’s personal experiences as a wife, mother, and a woman of faith also deeply influenced her poetry, weaving themes of domestic life, religion, and morality throughout her work.
Martha Wadsworth Brewster’s Poetry
Themes and Style
Brewster’s poetry reflects the typical concerns of 18th Century American poets, focusing heavily on religious devotion, morality, and personal reflection. Her verses often reveal a Puritanical influence, common in the colonial period, where poetry served as a vehicle for spiritual expression and ethical teaching.
Her style is characterized by straightforward language and clear imagery. While she did not employ elaborate metaphors or complex poetic forms seen in some British poets of the era, her poetry’s strength lies in its sincerity and heartfelt tone. This simplicity made her work accessible and resonant with her audience.
Notable Works
One of Brewster’s most well-known works is her poem collection titled “Poems on Divers Subjects” (published in 1757). This volume is significant not only for its literary content but also because it is one of the earliest poetry books published by a woman in America. In these poems, she addresses a variety of topics, including faith, death, family, and the human condition.
Her poem “An Elegy on the Death of a Child” stands out for its emotional depth, as it confronts grief and loss with a tender and devout voice. This personal touch reveals much about the social expectations and emotional experiences of women in the 18th century.
Contributions to American Poetry
Brewster’s poetry helped pave the way for the emergence of distinctly American voices in literature. During the 18th century, much of the American literary scene was still heavily influenced by European traditions. However, Brewster and other colonial poets began to explore themes relevant to their own experiences and environment, thus contributing to the development of an authentic American poetry tradition.
18th Century American Poetry and Its Landscape
Characteristics of 18th Century American Poetry
The 18th century was a formative period for American poetry. Poetry often reflected the Puritan religious heritage, the Enlightenment ideals of reason and order, and the growing sense of American identity. Poets frequently wrote about religious themes, nature, politics, and moral instruction. The style was typically formal, using conventional meter and rhyme schemes inherited from European models.
Role of Women in 18th Century American Poetry
Women poets in the 18th century faced significant societal limitations. Writing and publishing were predominantly male domains, and female authors often published anonymously or under pseudonyms. Despite this, some women, like Martha Wadsworth Brewster, managed to break through these barriers and make their voices heard.
Women’s poetry of this era often centered around domestic life, religion, and personal experience. These subjects were considered appropriate for women and thus provided a socially acceptable way for them to express themselves poetically.
Comparison with Contemporaries
Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet, who lived slightly earlier in the 17th century, is often regarded as the first significant American poet and a pioneering woman writer. Like Brewster, Bradstreet wrote about faith, family, and personal reflections. Both women shared a Puritan background, influencing their moral and religious themes.
Bradstreet’s poetry was more complex in form and theme, blending personal emotion with broader philosophical questions. Brewster’s work, while simpler, continued this tradition and reflected the evolving colonial experience.
Philip Freneau
Philip Freneau, often called the “Poet of the American Revolution,” represents a different strain of 18th Century American poetry—more politically engaged and secular. While Brewster’s poems were rooted in religious and domestic themes, Freneau’s work addressed political freedom and national identity.
Comparing Brewster to Freneau highlights the diversity of colonial poetry, showing how poets responded differently to their cultural context.
Other Female Poets
Other women poets in the 18th century include Sarah Parsons Moorhead and Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson. Like Brewster, these women wrote about personal and religious topics. However, Brewster is unique for having a published volume of poetry during this early period, marking her as a significant figure among women writers.
The Significance of Martha Wadsworth Brewster in American Literary History
Pioneer for Women Writers
Martha Wadsworth Brewster’s achievements as a published female poet during the 18th century are remarkable. She challenged societal norms and demonstrated that women could contribute meaningfully to the literary world. Her work encouraged later generations of women poets to pursue publication and recognition.
Contribution to American Poetry Identity
By addressing topics relevant to colonial life and faith, Brewster helped shape the emerging identity of American poetry. Her voice, while rooted in tradition, also reflects the specific conditions of life in America, helping to distinguish colonial literature from European models.
Preservation and Legacy
Though Brewster’s work was somewhat forgotten after her death, recent scholarly interest has revived appreciation for her poetry. Her writings provide valuable insight into early American culture, especially women’s experiences. She stands as an important figure in understanding the development of literature in the American colonies.
Challenges Faced by 18th Century American Women Poets
Social Constraints
Women in the 18th century faced social restrictions that limited their educational opportunities and public participation in the arts. Writing was often considered inappropriate for women, and publishing was especially challenging. Brewster’s ability to publish a book of poems is thus a significant accomplishment.
Literary Recognition
Unlike their male counterparts, women poets were less likely to receive critical recognition or financial reward for their work. Their poetry was often dismissed as sentimental or trivial. Brewster’s work, however, gained some contemporary recognition, indicating her talent and determination.
Conclusion
Martha Wadsworth Brewster holds an important place as an 18th Century American poet who contributed to the foundation of American poetry. Through her sincere and heartfelt poems, she offered a distinct female perspective in a predominantly male literary landscape. Her work reflects the social, religious, and cultural milieu of colonial America and provides a vital link in the evolution of American literature.
By comparing her to contemporaries such as Anne Bradstreet and Philip Freneau, we see the richness and diversity of 18th-century American poetic expression. Brewster’s legacy as a pioneering woman poet continues to inspire and offers a window into the experiences of early American women writers.
Her poetry is not only a testament to her personal faith and resilience but also a crucial chapter in the story of American poetry’s emergence as a unique and diverse tradition.
