Compare And Contrast William Bradford And John Smith

History takes place so rapidly that it’s often hard to recall the exact occurrence without technology. Most of our primary sources come from the writing of an individual as they experience history unfolding. It’s rare that two individuals provide stories so similar that they can be compared. John Smith and William Bradford provide this rare opportunity with their renderings. Comparing and contrasting the writing of the two allows the purpose, intended audience and more to be identified.

Smith’s purpose was to convince more people to move to the new land without fear. John smith described modern paradises in hopes that people would be convinced to join the settlers of the new land. Smith explicitly states “My purpose is not to persuade children from their parents;

men from their wives; nor servants from their master: only such as with free consent may be spared: But that each parish, or village, in city or country, that will but apparell their fatherless children of thirteen or fourteen years of age, or young married people that have small wealth to live on.” (Baym) Any person living uncomfortably would see John Smith’s offer as tempting.

Bradford’s purpose was completely different from that of John Smith.

William Bradford made sure to include religion as a major part of his journals. This proves the purpose was more than a simple description. Instead, Bradford intended to provide the writings as a manual for others to use for survival. After reading the work, readers are given a sense of how to survive in the new land.

With John Smith’s renderings came a couple of promises. Smith offered leadership primarily. Anyone willing to follow him to the new land would have his guiding hand. John Smith also promised shelter to the new settlers. His final promise was to fulfill their needs. Each promise is summarized in the statement that promises “sufficient power to command them, houses to receive them, means to defend them and meet provisions for them.” (Baym)

At some point William Bradford and John Smith crossed paths. William Bradford describes John Smith as a “man of able gifts” and “good preacher.” (Baym) He even goes on to state that Smith became a pastor at one point. This follows the promise John Smith made to stay with those that accompanied him. The captain not only stayed, but also became a man of the

church.

John Smith’s promise of benefits in exchange for labor only was not met. Bradford’s story is riddled with instances of money being traded for goods. People stocked up on certain items and sold the goods. Bradford specifically mentioned the “Bay of the Massachusetts, by which means corn and cattle rose to a great price.” (Baym) This greed would soon prove hazardous. Some were forced to choose between crop and cattle as a result.

In conclusion, both authors maintained different purposes with their writings. However, the time period in which the writings were produced allows comparison and validation. John Smith promised settlers a lot with his writings. William Bradford verifies most of the promises. He simultaneously filled the grey areas of the promises. His renderings could only be provided through experience.
Works Cited

Baym, Nina. "The Norton Anthology of American Literature, Vol. A." (2007).