Oppression And Malevolenance In William Bradford's Journal Of Plymouth Plantation
Oppression and malevolence can disband the greatest of empires and ideologies. When it came to the pilgrims that statement was all but true. Scorn and hatred was thrown their way at every turn in their lives, however it never seemed to discourage them. In William Bradford’s journal of Plymouth Plantation, the real-life account of the pilgrimage of the separatists was recorded entailing the grueling life that the men and women of the faith endured. It was felt strongly in their community that living a pure life would ensure that God would be with them in every endeavor. The Pilgrim’s success was denoted by their unity in adversity, their faith in God, however their denomination scrupled by the ever-changing world.
Notably, Bradford illustrates …show more content…
When a group slowly disbands and becomes more secular they become weaker. Bradford states, “… all striving to increase their stocks” (183). Most of the pilgrim’s ways were lost creating a disillusion for the men that possessions were greater than God. Stocks in land and animals were what they sought instead of the pursuit of heaven. It appeared that the group’s identity was slowly fading away. In the next paragraph it is stated that, “this fear will be the ruin of New England” (Bradford 183). As William Bradford views his community in third person he views the impending turmoil of his separatist brothers. Once united under God and the oppressions that they once faced have now been afflicted by the materialism of this New World. Bradford seems saddened and disgraced of the way that the men had changed their hearts and began to leave or wrestle with their faith. Bradford finally states a foreboding analysis that “[this] will provoke the Lord’s displeasure against them” (183). This foreshadowing of his beliefs shows the severity he saw in the leaving of the Puritan church. Walls, pastures, flocks, and wealth divided the men finding materialism as the demise of their faith. God had brought the pilgrims to this New World, and many men had forsaken their providence to get
Notably, Bradford illustrates …show more content…
When a group slowly disbands and becomes more secular they become weaker. Bradford states, “… all striving to increase their stocks” (183). Most of the pilgrim’s ways were lost creating a disillusion for the men that possessions were greater than God. Stocks in land and animals were what they sought instead of the pursuit of heaven. It appeared that the group’s identity was slowly fading away. In the next paragraph it is stated that, “this fear will be the ruin of New England” (Bradford 183). As William Bradford views his community in third person he views the impending turmoil of his separatist brothers. Once united under God and the oppressions that they once faced have now been afflicted by the materialism of this New World. Bradford seems saddened and disgraced of the way that the men had changed their hearts and began to leave or wrestle with their faith. Bradford finally states a foreboding analysis that “[this] will provoke the Lord’s displeasure against them” (183). This foreshadowing of his beliefs shows the severity he saw in the leaving of the Puritan church. Walls, pastures, flocks, and wealth divided the men finding materialism as the demise of their faith. God had brought the pilgrims to this New World, and many men had forsaken their providence to get