A Comparison of John Smith and William Bradford

A Comparison of John Smith and William Bradford

John Smith was a soldier, an explorer, a leader, and a historian. His The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles is the first book written by a European in the New World, and from this accomplishment it gains its literary importance. As a person, John Smith was driven by his desire to discover, explore, and gain credit for these accomplishments among his peers, both in the colonies and back in Europe. In my opinion, Smith’s ability as a writer was limited, and it shows in his writing style. His stories of adventure and exploration, although compelling, do not read with the ease they could have from someone more inclined to words then Smith. John Smith’ view of the New World was very idealistic, and he focused on the treasures the land could bring with the value of hard work and ingenuity, “So freely God and his Majesty bestowed those blessings upon those that will attempt to obtain them… and if he have nothing but his hands, he may set up his trade, and by industry quickly grow rich…”(Smith 46). Smith takes this positive, idealistic outlook from the very beginning, and is exemplified by his depiction of events when they arrived in the colonies months later then they had expected, with fewer provisions, and past the time of year to plant crops, “Such actions have never since the world’s beginning been subject to such accidents, and everything of worth is found full of difficulties…”(Smith 37). John Smith was an important leader, and his tales of such leadership, exploration, and adventure are an attribute to colonial history; through them, we are able to see who Smith was and how he idealistically viewed himself and the world around him.

William Bradford was a clergyman, leader, and a well versed writer. His Of Plymouth Plantation was an important part of not only colonial literature, but was well respected among the literary community of Europe as well. Although his writing is...