Reverses Upon The Burning Of Our House Analysis

Similar to the woman in “Verses upon the burning of our house”, my house had a small fire ten years ago. In the fire I lost many prized possessions and a sense of home. In fact, my room had the most damage because the fire was right above me. My family and I felt lost, but as the time went on through the construction and renovation of my home, I was able to cope with our loss as I watched my parents in awe as they looked at this tragic event as something positive. They showed me to look on the bright side of things and never give up hope. In the poem “Verses upon the Burning of our House, July 10th 1666” Anne Bradstreet had a similar event when her house suddenly lit into flames in the middle of the night. Throughout the poem she learns to
cope with loss and trust in God, in order to find the wealth waiting for her in heaven. Even though it was a horrible tragedy, Anne was able to quickly lift her head up and look on the bright side because of her trust in God.
Anne was able to let go of her physical desires in the world. She thanks God for the burning of her house, because she believes her possessions are His and he has the right to do what he wants with them. Although it hurts to watch her things burn she knows she cannot complain and in the end God will give back. “I blest His name that gave and took, That laid my goods now in the dust. Yea, so it was, and so ‘twas just. It was his own, it was not mine, Far be it that I should repine; He might of all justly bereft But yet sufficient for us left.” (Bradstreet). Anne blesses God as she contemplates her burnt possessions. She refers to her goods as a symbol of her safety. When her possessions are now ashes, so are her feeling of safety and the sense of home. She also misses all the memories in her house but she learns that in order for God to help her bad things must happen first and all the memories she has made are now dead. She knows the table will never be used again, no candle will ever shine, no guest can visit, and no small talk will be made. Throughout all this pain she realizes all the fortune she has waiting for her in
heaven.
Anne quickly realizes that what she once seemed to love and cherish does not compare to the treasure that is waiting for her up in heaven. She has a strong trust in God and in her future. She believes God has left her wealth and happiness in heaven. Her optimism and pride helps her move past her losses and focus on her new commodities that she anticipates. Anne is excited for the wonderful paid for house, which is fully furnished and purchased by God. She knows this house is permanent and does not subject to flames. When Anne quickly moves past her tragedy it shows how she has the utmost faith in God. Her confidence in her future guides her to move past her broken memories and security, as she says goodbye to her past. “Farewell, my pelf, farewell, my store, The world no longer let me love, My hope and treasure lies above.” (Bradstreet).Anne is saying bye to her money, satisfied with what awaits.