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Compare And Contrast William Bradford And John Smith

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William Bradford and John Smith both experienced hardships and brutal awakenings as they settled on the free soil of America, but that did not keep them from reflecting upon their new beginnings through their writings. William Bradford continuously kept his faith in God and persevered to create peace with the Indians. Similarly, John Smith wrote with confidence and believed that God brings good gifts to those who are deserving of rewards. Although his writings contained exaggerated explanations about his adventures in the new land, which impacted his credibility, his accounts entice the reader to partake in his extravagantly stated journeys. Smith’s living conditions were more brutal than Bradford’s, but they both flourished in their new …show more content…

John Smith’s journal is evidence that his writings show some exaggeration and enhancement in a few of the details and facts of his adventures. “…Captain Smith: who by his own example, good words, and fair promises…himself always bearing the greatest tasked for his own share…he provided most of them lodgings, neglecting any for himself.” (Smith). When Smith refers to himself, he speaks in third person and uses the pronouns “him”, “he” and “his” as well as the proper noun “Captain Smith”. Alternatively, Bradford’s writing style is the polar opposite of Smith’s. Bradford’s purpose of writing is straightforward and factual. He said “And for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of that country know them to be sharp and violent, and subject to cruel and fierce storms, dangerous to travel to known places, much more to search an unknown coast.” (Bradford). Bradford mainly wrote about the hardships of life for the pilgrims in the new world and their day-by-day survival. He believed that God was the Pilgrims’ helping hand as they encountered harsh new …show more content…

Bradford’s journal states that he fully believed everything the Pilgrims had were gifts of God. Smith’s journal proves that his belief was not as strong. “…Pocahontas…brought him so many of their gifts…the good success of the business being…brought to the very period of destruction…see by what strange means God hath still delivered it.” (Smith). He believed that God sent the Pilgrims gifts to keep them strong through tough times, but is partially cynical in his belief. On the other hand, Bradford fully believes that only through God’s saving grace, the Pilgrims have flourished in their new land. “What could sustain them but the Spirit of God and His grace?...Our fathers were Englishmen…came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and He heard their voice and looked on their adversity…” (Bradford). This proved that he whole-heartily believes in God and thanks him for blessing them with a safe settlement on America’s free soil. He believes that God has saved them from brutally harsh living conditions and granted upon them the necessities they needed to survive. Their faith is especially needed when they have a rough encounter with their neighbors, the

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