Comparison of Early American Literature Essay

The two selections Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford and The General History of Virginia by John Smith are roughly of the earlier pieces of the Statesn literature.Although they were twain written in the same time period the style and attitudes shift capaciously. William Bradford had a very direct form of writing commonly cognize as plain puritan style, whereas, John Smith had a about confusing, more elaborate, writing style. Bradfords piece also seemed more hi-fi than John Smiths account. For example, John Smith wrote of his capture by three hundred bowwork force, conducted by the king of Pamunkee which seems more than a niggling exaggerated. After all, it generally doesnt take three hundred men to capture one. Smith exaggerated many times in set out to boast about himself.There are many times when he refers to his greatness. In the following quote he boasts of his leadership skills and compassion for his gadfly men while belittling his superiors The untried Presi dent and Martin, being small(a) beloved, of weak judgment in dangers, and less industry in peace, connected the managing of all things abroad to Captain Smith, who, by his own example, good words, and sane promises, set some to mow, others to bind thatch, some to build houses, others to thatch them, himself incessantly bearing the greatest task for his own share, so that in forgetful time her provided most of them lodgings, neglecting any for himself William Bradford, on the other hand, boasts about his closure there was but six or seven sound persons who to their great commendations, be it spoken, spared no pains night or day, but with copiousness of toil and hard of their own health, fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed them meat, made their beds, rinse their loathsome clothes, clothed and unclothed them.Bradford and Smith, both leaders of their colonies, wrote of their hardships in the new world. Despite these similarities the way they acted was very different. Whe n John Smith writes about the aborigine Americans he refers to them as savages and barbarians. He even calls Pocahontas, the girl who saved his life, a young wench. Bradford writes of the Native Americans ashuman beings. He even had a peace treaty with them that lasted twenty-four years.They also had different motifs for writing, which may tolerate to the many differences. Smith wrote his selection to encourage people to come to America to find excitement and adventure. Bradford simply wanted to inform the readers of what the lives of colonists was really like.As different are their writing styles, motifs, and views these two men share some common ground, one being they are some of the earliest work of American Literature. So no matter how different or kindred Smith and Bradfords writings are, History of Virginia and Of Plymouth Plantation will constantly be remembered as great American literature.