William Bradford and John Smith Colonial Period Assignment

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1 William Bradford and John Smith’s Perspectives on the American Wilderness – APA Nelson Class Jr Department of English, Liberty University ENGL 201: American Literature 1 Dr. Stephanie Hobson November 13, 2023
2 William Bradford and John Smith’s Perspectives on the American Wilderness – APA William Bradford and Captain John Smith, pivotal figures in early American colonization, held wildly contrasting views on the American wilderness. Bradford, driven by Puritan ideals, perceived the land as a challenging and hostile terrain, a place of trial and testing. In contrast, Smith, guided by a pragmatic and entrepreneurial spirit, viewed the wilderness as an abundant realm of economic opportunities. The disparity in their perspectives can be attributed to the influence of their religious beliefs, the distinct goals of their colonies, and their personal experiences, which collectively shaped their interpretations of the New World. The American wilderness exploration and settlement in the early 17 th century brought forward two distinct perspectives from pioneers William Bradford and John Smith. Bradford, a Puritan leader, painted a grim picture of the land as "hideous and desolate," emphasizing its challenges as a trial rather than an opportunity. In contrast, John Smith, an adventurous entrepreneur, saw the wilderness as a fertile ground for economic prosperity. Bradford’s Harsh Vision of the New World and Smith’s Optimism William Bradford, a key figure in the Plymouth Colony, approached the American wilderness with a sense of religious duty. In "Of Plymouth Plantation," he describes the land as "hideous and desolate" and underscores its dangers with the presence of "wild beasts and wild men."(Belasco, 2019). For Bradford, the wilderness was not a place of ease and plenty but a harsh environment that served as a testing ground for the Pilgrims' faith. Bradford states, “What could now sustain them but the spirit of God and His grace? May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: 'Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean and were ready to perish in this wilderness' (Bradford, "Of Plymouth Plantation"). (Belasco, 2019).
3 Moreover, Bradford's firsthand experience of the harsh winter of 1620-1621, known as the "Starving Time," further solidified his pessimistic view of the American wilderness. The scarcity of resources, the extreme weather conditions, and the threat to indigenous people made him perceive the land as bleak and dangerous. In contrast, Captain John Smith, a leader in the Jamestown colony, approached the American wilderness with a pragmatic and entrepreneurial perspective. His work, "A True Relation," portrays the land as a realm of opportunity and abundance. Smith saw the wilderness as a place where hard work and resourcefulness could lead to economic prosperity. Smith states, "Here every man may be master and owner of his labor and land. If he has nothing but his hands, he may set up his trade, and by industry quickly grow rich" (Smith, "A True Relation"). (Appelbaum, 2023). In his writings, Smith emphasizes the importance of hard work and resourcefulness in overcoming the challenges of the wilderness. He famously states, "He that will not work shall not eat" (Smith, "A True Relation"). (Belasco, 2019). This pragmatic approach reflects his belief in the ability of individuals to shape their destiny in the New World through perseverance and determination. Smith's leadership in Jamestown, where he played a crucial role in resource acquisition and relationship-building with the Native Americans, influenced his positive outlook on the wilderness. His firsthand experiences in navigating the challenges of the New World contributed to his perspective. (Booss, 2019). Influence of Religious Beliefs and Colonial Goals or Motivations The religious backdrop of the early colonists played a vital role in shaping their perceptions of the wilderness. Bradford, a devout Puritan, viewed the challenges of the land as a divine trial. The harsh conditions were seen as a means of purifying the Pilgrims' faith and commitment to their religious ideals. Bradford states, "All great and honorable actions are
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