“Huswifery”

Edward Taylor1642?-1729

Grace

• An important question in Puritanism was, “Can one achieve religious grace through one’s own efforts, or must it come simply as a gift from God?”– Given the poet’s relation to God in “Huswifery,” how do

you suppose Taylor might have answered the question, and where is your proof?• Throughout the poem, God is regarded as the agent creating

the poet.• Taylor believes that God endows all people with their

qualities and with grace, which they cannot achieve without His direct intervention.

Grace

• Note how often the word make appears in the poem. Justify Taylor’s repetition of this word.– Stresses God’s role as Creator and humanity’s role

as creation.• What does it tell you about the poet’s concern

for his salvation?– Taylor’s concern for salvation is so great that he

begs the Lord to make him an instrument (loom) of creation.

Religious Ideas

• Taylor can be difficult to read, in part because he deals with complicated religious ideas. Critics themselves often disagree about the meaning of Taylor’s lines or words, some of which have not one but several meanings.

• Interpret the following words found in “Huswifery”:– Complete (Line 1)– Neat (Line 3)– Fine (Line 9)

Interpretation

• “Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheel complete” (Line 1).– The word complete can function as an adjective

modifying Spinning Wheel or as a verb taking Spinning Wheel as its object.• The poet entreats God either to make him complete as

a figurative spinning wheel or to have him complete God’s creation, the spinning wheel.

Interpretation

• “Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neat…” (Line 3).– The word neat functions as an adjective,

describing Flyers.• What is the point of maintaining neatness?

(paralleled with God)

Interpretation

• “Then weave the Web thyself. The yarn is fine” (Line 9).– The word fine may mean “of excellent quality” or

“delicate and subtle.”• How can justifications be made for both

meanings?

Literary Element: Conceit

• An extended comparison of two startlingly different things.

• The series of metaphors in the poem are part of this larger comparison.

– Identify the two things that are the basic part of the conceit in Taylor’s poem• The making of cloth• The Grace of God