Question

In his book, The Gay Science, Friedrich Nietzsche writes about the aspect of Amor fati. Amor fati is a Latin phrase, which means love of fate or love of one's fate. It is used to describe an attitude in which one sees everything that happens in one's life, including suffering and loss, as good or, at the very least, necessary.

Based on your understanding of the concept of amor fati, explain Bradstreet’s stance toward the burning of her house. Make sure you cite lines from the poem to support your own answer.

Answer 1

Anne Bradstreet's stance towards the burning of her house reflects her acceptance and gratitude for the trials and losses she experiences.

Step-by-step explanation:

In her poem 'Upon the Burning of Our House,' Anne Bradstreet expresses a similar sentiment to Nietzsche's concept of amor fati. While Nietzsche suggests that one should embrace their fate, Bradstreet's stance toward the burning of her house reflects her acceptance and gratitude for the trials and losses she experiences. She sees the burning of her house as a test of her faith and an opportunity for growth. In lines 35-40 of the poem, Bradstreet writes:

Then, coming out, beheld a space The flame consume my dwelling-place. And when I could no longer look,

I blest His name that gave and took, That laid my goods now in the dust.

These lines show that Bradstreet sees the destruction of her house as an act of God, and she blesses His name for both giving and taking away her possessions. This demonstrates her acceptance and love of her fate, as she recognizes that everything is ultimately in the hands of a higher power.