John Smith and William Bradford: A Comparison of Early Histories
... exciting and amazing place. By doing this, he is convincing people that the New World is an extraordinary adventure and that they should come and enjoy themselves. Smith is an excellent leader, and the explorers believe this, too. Although Smith’s accounts may be true, one might infer that they are a little far fetched. His accounts may be more of Smith’s very own Utopia. Smith says he is captured by the “savages,” and they are ready to kill him until he shows them a compass. He explains how the “sun chases the moon” and how there are people all over the Earth with different-colored skin. He also tells about being praised by the Indians, and then how they almost kill him again. From these examples, one can see the comparative differences in the styles of Smith and Bradford. Other examples in their style of writing are easy to differentiate. Bradford was less extreme with his writing. He writes in plain Puritan style, which is straight to the point. This is at the opposite end of the spectrum when compared to Smith’s style of writing. Smith’s writing is made to look pretty, when in actuality, it is not everything it is made out to be. The Puritans believe in writing in a way to be understood without being “flowery.” Bradford’s writing is to inspire people with Puritan ideals. Bradford describes the hardships the Puritans face. He tells about missing the fall harvest, and the fact that while his people are dying, many healthy people will not help. Bradford is a superb leader. He is even re-elected governor over 30 times. Bradford thanks God for just about everything. For example, one man falls overboard and “...by the just hand of God...” catches hold of some of the ropes. He is then pulled to safety. Bradford tells of others’ pains and feelings, whereas Smith does not talk too much about the people with whom he travels. Bradford’s accounts are more accurate ...