Quotes On The Role Of God In The Poetry Of William Bradford
Oliver Nolte
Early American Literature
Mrs. Frisbie
1/30/2011
1. Throughout the writing, Bradford gives numerous examples of how God directs the history of the pilgrims. At the beginning when describing the fate of the “proud and very profane” young man, Bradford begins with “And I may not omit here a special work of God’s providence”, that providence being Bradford’s death to illness, which according to Bradford was by the hand of God, “But it pleased God before they came half seas over, to smite this young man with a grievous disease”. This is an example of the control God had over the pilgrim’s fate. Bradford also gives examples of how God may not always direct the history, but is at least watching over the pilgrims. For example, …show more content…
Bradford offers many examples of the Pilgrims discussing with one another to hear everyone’s opinion, for example, “So some of the chief of the company perceiving the mariners to fear the sufficiency of the ship as appeared by their mutterings, they entered into serious consultation with the master and other officers of the ship, to consider in time of the danger…but in examining of all opinions”, as well as right before landing in The New World, “After some deliberation had amongst themselves and with the Master of the ship, they tacked about and resolved to stand for the southward”. These are examples of the Pilgrims working as a group, valuing everyone’s respectful opinion, and showing a sense of close knit community. Also during the Starving Time, Bradford gives examples of individuals watching over the rest of the community, as quoted, “But with abundance of toil and hazard of their own health, fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed them meat…in a word did all the homely and necessary offices for them.” Not only do these people care for the rest of the population, but they care for them out of pure compassion and will, as stated in the following quote, “and all this willingly and cheerfully, without any grudging in the least, showing herein their true love unto their friends and brethren.” Bradford gives another clear example, “as the boatswain (and some others), who was a proud young man and would often curse and scoff at the passengers. But when he grew weak, they had compassion on him and helped him.” These are all example scenarios of Pilgrims showing their strong sense of community and
Early American Literature
Mrs. Frisbie
1/30/2011
1. Throughout the writing, Bradford gives numerous examples of how God directs the history of the pilgrims. At the beginning when describing the fate of the “proud and very profane” young man, Bradford begins with “And I may not omit here a special work of God’s providence”, that providence being Bradford’s death to illness, which according to Bradford was by the hand of God, “But it pleased God before they came half seas over, to smite this young man with a grievous disease”. This is an example of the control God had over the pilgrim’s fate. Bradford also gives examples of how God may not always direct the history, but is at least watching over the pilgrims. For example, …show more content…
Bradford offers many examples of the Pilgrims discussing with one another to hear everyone’s opinion, for example, “So some of the chief of the company perceiving the mariners to fear the sufficiency of the ship as appeared by their mutterings, they entered into serious consultation with the master and other officers of the ship, to consider in time of the danger…but in examining of all opinions”, as well as right before landing in The New World, “After some deliberation had amongst themselves and with the Master of the ship, they tacked about and resolved to stand for the southward”. These are examples of the Pilgrims working as a group, valuing everyone’s respectful opinion, and showing a sense of close knit community. Also during the Starving Time, Bradford gives examples of individuals watching over the rest of the community, as quoted, “But with abundance of toil and hazard of their own health, fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed them meat…in a word did all the homely and necessary offices for them.” Not only do these people care for the rest of the population, but they care for them out of pure compassion and will, as stated in the following quote, “and all this willingly and cheerfully, without any grudging in the least, showing herein their true love unto their friends and brethren.” Bradford gives another clear example, “as the boatswain (and some others), who was a proud young man and would often curse and scoff at the passengers. But when he grew weak, they had compassion on him and helped him.” These are all example scenarios of Pilgrims showing their strong sense of community and