The Godly Character Of a Virtuous Woman

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Karen Elliott Mrs. Mathis English 2327.01 June 13, 2011 The Godly Character of a Virtuous Woman “Who can find a virtuous wife, for her worth is far above rubies” (Holy Bible, Prov. 31:10). In “An Epitaph on My Dear and Ever-Honoured Mother Mrs. Dorothy Dudley,” Anne Bradstreet explores the virtuous qualities of her mother. Clothed in humility, moral strength and godliness, Anne’s mother was literally like the virtuous wife in the book of Proverbs. As we will see later, the similarities are striking and many, between Bradstreet’s poem and Proverbs 31:10-31. Bradstreet’s mother, Mrs. Dudley, shows great humility by ministering to the poor and providing for their needs as Bradstreet states, “A friendly neighbor, pitiful to poor, whom oft she fed and clothed with her store” (4-5). Likewise, in the book of Proverbs the writer expresses it in quite the same manner, “She extends her hand to the poor. Yes, she reaches out her hand to the needy” (Holy Bible, Prov. 31:20). Mrs. Dudley was worthy of being called humble, because she ministered daily to the poor, by feeding them and making clothes for them. Not only do we see humility in the characteristics of Anne Bradstreet’s mother, we also find moral strength. Mrs. Dudley is a faithful, loving wife and mother who tends to her family’s every need while staying true to her faith (Bradstreet 1-3). The writer of Proverbs states this by saying: The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms (Holy Bible, Prov. 31:11-17). The quality
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