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Read the excerpt of the following poem.

"A Dialogue between Old England and New" By Anne Bradstreet

Old England.
Well, to the matter, then. There's grown of late
'Twixt King and Peers a question of state:
Which is the chief, the law, or else the King?
One saith, it's he; the other, no such thing.

New England.
Your griefs I pity much but should do wrong,
To weep for that we both have pray'd for long,
To see these latter days of hop'd-for good,
That Right may have its right, though 't be with blood.
(…)
Blest be thy Commons, who for Common good
And thy infringed Laws have boldly stood.
Blest be thy Counties, who do aid thee still
With hearts and states to testify their will.

In your own words, explain the historic influence in this excerpt from the poem. You may reference the lesson for historic events that happened during the Colonial and Early National Period.

User PERPO
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Final answer:

The poem by Anne Bradstreet reflects the 17th-century tensions between the monarchy and Parliament in England and the desire for self-governance in the American colonies, indicative of a growing American colonial identity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from Anne Bradstreet's poem "A Dialogue between Old England and New" reflects the historical tensions of the 17th century between the monarchy and the state, specifically regarding the power struggle between the King and Parliament. In the poem, 'Old England' mentions the controversy over whether the King or the law is the supreme authority, reflecting real historical debates of the time. 'New England' responds with an expression of sympathy but also a certain degree of detachment, highlighting a desire for the establishment of what they see as a just and rightful order, even if it requires conflict. This mirrors the actual sentiments of the American colonies, which aspired for self-governance and resented the imposition of English laws such as the Navigation Acts, and the Dominion of New England which sought to tighten control over colonial affairs. The poem captures the broader historical moment of the Glorious Revolution and the struggle for political supremacy, indicating a burgeoning American colonial identity that was both connected to and distinct from England.

User K Scott Piel
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HISTORIC INFLUENCE

This excerpt from the poem "A Dialogue between Old England and New" by Anne Bradstreet discusses a political conflict between the King and the Peers (members of the nobility) in Old England.

The conflict centers on the question of who holds ultimate authority in the country: the King or the laws. The speaker from New England expresses support for the idea that "Right may have its right, though 't be with blood," suggesting that they believe it is important to defend the rule of law even if it requires violence.

The speaker also praises the Commons (representatives of the common people) and the Counties (local governing bodies) for standing up for the "Common good" and the "infringed Laws" of Old England. This suggests that there was a tension between the government and the people in Old England, and that the people were willing to fight to defend their rights.

This passage reflects the political climate of the Colonial and Early National Period in the United States, when the colonies were in the process of breaking away from British rule and establishing their own governments based on the principle of self-governance.


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User Ginad
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