1. Edward Taylor (1642-1729)

2. Biographical Background Born in England in 1642, son of a farmer. Educated by a nonconformist schoolmaster; increased persecution of Puritans after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Sailed to America in 1668. Graduated from Harvard in 1671.

3. Poetic Style Shared things in common with metaphysical poets of England (John Donne, Andrew Marvell, etc.): – Vivid figures of speech – Playful language – Puns – Elaborate imagery Also used images from the Bible, from everyday working and family life “Huswifery” “Upon Wedlock, and Death of Children” – Similarity to Bradstreet’s poem, “In Memory of My Dear Grandchild”?

4. Preparatory Meditations Begun when he was 42, considered his greatest work. Written in preparation to receive and administer the sacrament of Communion. “Meditation 8”