John Smith vs. William Bradford

Captain John Smith and Governor William Bradford were two influential men in the New World during the early 1600s.  Both wrote of their experiences in America, were Europeans, and desired to settle the land.  However, the similarities end there—while Smith roamed Virginia as a scout and military man, Bradford planted his church community at Plymouth (modern-day Massachusetts).  A brief exploration of Smith and Bradford’s writing, their views of the Natives and the New World, and a characterization sketch (through their works) will reveal more of them, United States’ founding writers.

Captain John Smith

Governor William Bradford

        First of all, John Smith and William Bradford wrote very different styles, due to differing audiences and purposes.  Smith wrote action-oriented propaganda, promoting himself in a third person “tall tale,” in order to establish a higher government position and bring more hard-working Englishmen to the New World.  Using detail and supposed thoughts and speeches, John Smith’s work can nearly be titled as a novel and has been passed down through newer versions, such as Disney’s “Pocahontas” or “Avatar.” To compare, William Bradford’s work probably will never turn into a movie, as it is more factual and serves as a rather monotonous account of the Puritans’ voyage to and settlement of New England.  His use of a first-person narrative shows his association and place with the other members in his account.  Like an editorial, Bradford also interprets events through his religious beliefs and adds teachings in his account as well.

Disney's "Pocahontas" Movie

Who Would Create a Film about Bradford?

             
        Captain John Smith and Governor William Bradford also differ in their view of the Native Americans.  To start, Smith often calls them “savages,” paints quite gruesome and barbaric portrayals of their traditional feasts and rites, and—when surrounded by Indian troops—uses a helpful Indian guide as a shield, devaluing this native’s life.  Of course, Smith pens his deed as heroic (for he is writing propaganda) but one is left to wonder about his compassion for humanity and moral afterwards.  William Bradford also reports many interactions with Indians, though the ones that talk with him are friendly and English-speaking.  Bradford, most likely due to their kindness, always respectively calls them “Indians” and views some as allies.

Bradford's Retelling of Thanksgiving

Smith's View of the Savages

        However, both writers do agree on one issue: the New World should be inhabited and settled, and good, hard-working men should fill its fertile land.  Naturally, both put a spin on this topic.  Captain John Smith dreams of industrializing America and conquering the Natives; on the other hand, Governor William Bradford wants New England to be a settlement and a place of refuge for his people.  Bradford’s writings condemning the immoral “party animal” Thomas Morton as well as the scornful sailor (who, happily, died for his sins) show the Governor’s narrow effort that only his people, his ideas and his ethics should take root in America.

A Land That Both Agreed On

Beginnings in the New World

        
        Finally, how was Captain John Smith like?  And who really was Governor William Bradford?  Through their works, one does get a glimpse of these founding writers.  John Smith, at best, was a hero—let’s say he is Thor—who has ego issues, lacks the value of human life, and loves a bloody adventure.  Smith thus embodies the American dream—he’s the admired leader, gets to be in the middle of head-spinning action, and is irresistible to the ladies.  William Bradford, though, appears to be opposite in personality; never seeking thrills or "sinful" fame, he resembles a mother hen, keeping her chicks close by and vigilantly protecting the nest.  His dream, which he did live out to some extent, was to be a servant leader and teacher in the New World's "utopia."

Imagine John Smith as Thor

Picture William Bradford as a Mother Hen