Entry 8: Compare and Contrast: Bradstreet v Sor Juana

The two poems we read in class about puritan and catholic beliefs and way of dealing with loss. Bradstreet's and Sor Juana's beliefs are different on many aspects. First of all the Puritans had a strong belief in simplicity however the Catholic's believe in creativity in expressing their devotion to God. In Bradstreet's poem she continues to regard God as being the taker and giver as for Sor Juana she only regards God as being a greater power but she is the one to decide on her actions.  Bradstreet's poem talks about the loss of her house in a fire, and Sor Juana talks about riding of the material world and embracing what is in the mind. Bradstreet towards the end of her poem also implies that the material world wouldn't last and only what is in side of you could. So the two poem share the same theme. Having a lot of things is not important what is important is to have a lot inside of you. You can only keep what knowledge you have but not the objects you own. The format of their poem is also similar however Son Juana's is shorter and more direct. Bradstreet uses a lot of passive actions when referring to the event. Son Juana uses a active voice while telling that the material world is a waste of time and that she is going to give it up so she can keep what is important. The two authors may have different ways of practicing their religion but both express the same belief that the material world is a waste and that only the intellectual world is what is important.