Final answer:
Anne Bradstreet was distinguished from other Puritan women by her literate upbringing and education, which was uncommon for women at the time. Her family's progressive Puritan views also allowed for more intellectual engagement, leading to her significant cultural contributions as the first published female American poet.
Step-by-step explanation:
What element of her upbringing distinguished Anne Bradstreet from other Puritan women of the time? Unlike many Puritan women who adhered strictly to the conventional roles of females in society, Anne Bradstreet's upbringing was unique in that she came from a literate background and received an education that many of her contemporaries did not. Her father, Thomas Dudley, was a steward of the Earl of Lincoln and believed in the importance of education, even for his daughters. This enabled her to gain knowledge and literary skills that later fueled her work as a poet. Bradstreet's family, including her father and husband, were also part of a circle that embraced more progressive Puritan views, which often welcomed a higher level of intellectual engagement from women.
This foundation defied traditional norms about women's roles in society, separating Bradstreet from others and contributing to her becoming the first published female American poet in 1650. Her sophisticated literary talents and the content of her published works reflect her learned background and distinguishment within Puritan society.