From an analysis of four poems written by Anne Bradstreet, each clearly displays the effect of gender on her poems. Examples of the impact of her gender are reflected in poems such as “To My Dear and Loving Husband,” “A Letter to Her Husband,” “The Author to Her Book,” and “By Night when Others Soundly Slept.” The effects of gender are evident from the expectation of women’s reputation during the time period of the 1600’s; the motherly responsibilities and obligations; and the dependency on men in society.
The poem “To My Dear and Loving Husband,” can relate to no other than a woman’s need to express her love to her dear and loving husband. The poem is written to summarize and compare the affection and emotions