1. Religious Devotion: Bradstreet was deeply religious, and many of her poems express her faith in God and her devotion to Christianity. She uses nature as a metaphor to illustrate the grandeur and wisdom of God's creation.
2. Nature Poetry: Bradstreet's poems often incorporate descriptions and observations of the natural world. She depicts the beauty and wonders of nature as evidence of God's handiwork.
3. Personal Reflection: Several poems in the collection are personal and introspective, exploring Bradstreet's thoughts and emotions. She writes about her experiences as a woman, wife, and mother, and reflects on her own mortality.
4. Meditation on Death: Bradstreet frequently contemplates the inevitability of death and the transience of life. She reflects on the brevity of human existence and the need to live a virtuous and meaningful life.
5. Domestic Life: Bradstreet writes about her daily life and responsibilities as a woman in colonial New England. She portrays the challenges and rewards of domestic life and celebrates the simple joys of family and home.
6. Colonial Experience: As one of the first English women to write and publish in the New World, Bradstreet's poems provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of early settlers in America. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities of life in the New World.
7. Feminist Themes: Bradstreet's work demonstrates a consciousness of women's roles and struggles in her society. She expresses desires for intellectual and spiritual equality, and her poetry challenges prevailing views on women's capabilities and place in society.
"Contemplations by Anne Bradstreet" is a significant work in American literature as it offers a glimpse into the life, thoughts, and experiences of one of the earliest American poets. Bradstreet's poetry displays her skill as a writer and her ability to explore complex themes in a deeply personal and reflective manner.