Until the early 17th century, American literature focused primarily on politics, religion, and recorded events. These writings were very dry and lacked information about the authors' daily lives. Writing down individual spiritual reflections that strayed from the religion of the colony could be dangerous at that time; potentially leading to banishment from the colony or worse. Likewise, any writing that did not serve at least one of the purposes listed above was considered a waste of time better spent praising God. Anne Bradstreet defied the rules of her time by writing about whatever she wanted, including her thoughts, reflections, emotions, and personal events. Bradstreet was the first to write about personal subjects, constituting her greatest literary contribution to early American literature. By reading Bradstreet's work, one can get a good idea of ​​what Mrs. Bradstreet was like. She made her opinion clear about those who opposed her writing: "I am odious to every mocking tongue, / Which says that my hand is better suited to a needle." » (Bradstreet, “The Prologue”155). Bradstreet refused to give up his passion for writing, even if it meant going against the opinions of anyone in his colony, including religious leaders. Although Bradstreet calls herself obnoxious, her written works depict an entirely different Bradstreet. She seeks neither reward nor fame for her writings: “Give a wreath of thyme or parsley, I ask not for laurels” (155). Bradstreet does not seek any reward for her writing because she does not think her work is very good: "My stupid, broken, imperfect Muse sings thus" (154). She refers to her writing as her: “ill-formed offspring” (“The Author of Her Book”165). Even after the publication of her work, she is ...... middle of paper ...... mmon humanity. For the first time in American literature, the reader can see through the author's eyes and feel what the author feels. Bradstreet showed all future American writers the beauty of writing as a means of self-expression. This is why Anne Bradstreet's greatest literary contribution is her use of personal content. Works Cited Bradstreet, Anne. “The Prologue”, “The author of his book”, “Before the birth of one of his children”, “To my dear and loving husband”, “A letter to her absent husband during a public employment” , “In reference to his children”, “At the burning of our house”, “On my dear grandchild Simon Bradstreet who died November 16, 1669, being only one month and one day old.” Anthology of American Literature. Flight. I. Tenth edition. Publisher George McMichael. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. :Pearson/Longman, 2011.