Anne Bradstreet - A Breath of Fresh Air

 http://www.nines.org/exhibits/snewman227s10 

Anne Bradstreet is a prominent American poet who lived in the 17^th century.  Her life had many similarities to other authors at that time—she crossed the Atlantic at the age of eighteen, was close to prominent government officials and was a stanch Puritan.  Nevertheless, her works bring a breath of fresh air into both the grim, theological Puritan New England as well as the more worldly English entrepreneurs.  Comparing Bradstreet to other influential writers of her time, say John Smith and John Winthrop, will show what a stunning difference this early American writer was.

To begin with, one finds true encouragement and hope in the writings of Anne Bradstreet.  One of her poems, titled “Upon the Burning of Our House, July 10^th 1666,” contains a particularly grim subject, yet Bradstreet’s conclusion and heavenly outlook is so optimistic, that it nearly blots out the trials previously discussed.  Her summarizing lines assert,

Thou hast an house on high erect,

Fram’d by that mighty Architect,

With glory richly furnished,

Stands permanent, though this be fled …

The world no longer let me love,

My hope and treasure lies above” (pgs. 106-07)

To compare, Governor John Winthrop writes rather grim tales, and though meant to persuade and embolden, actually gives way to overwhelming despair.  Instead of trusting on God for his eternal home like Bradstreet, Winthrop emphasizes works, covenants and rules that must be done for prosperities and international renown.  An excerpt of his lay-sermon, “A Model of Christian Charity,” reads,

"Now if the Lord shall please to hear us, and bring us in peace to the place we desire, then hath he ratified this Covenant and sealed our Commission, [and] will expect a strict performance of the Articles contained in it; but if we shall neglect the observation of these Articles which are the ends we have propounded … [then] the Lord will surely break out in wrath against us; be revenged of such a perjured people ad make us know the price of the breach of such a covenant” (pgs. 79, 80).

Then, Anne Bradstreet was a humble writer.  Bradstreet declares her want of talent several times in her poetry, yet such a unique style and genius that one praises her all the more.  One great example of her humble spirit is the first few lines of her poem, titled “The Prologue.”  It orates,

“To sing of wars, of captains, and of kings,

Of cities founded, commonwealth begun,

For my mean pen are too superior things;

Or how they all, or each, their dates have run;

Let poets and historians set these forth;

My obscure lines shall not so dim their worth” (p. 91).

She greatly contrasts to John Smith, whose writings are underlined with ulterior motives and want of personal fame.  For instance, John Smith belittles other authorities while praising himself, demonstrates super human strength, and even goes as far as to suggest that an Indian princess would give up her life for him (pgs. 37-41).  For example, Smith writes,

“Smith little dreaming of that accident, being got to the marshes at the river's head, twenty miles in the desert, had his two men slain (as is supposed) sleeping by the canoe, while himself by fowling sought them victual: who finding he was beset with 200 savages, two of them he slew, still defending himself with the aid of a savage his guide, whom he bound to his arm with his garters, and used him as a buckler" (p. 38).

All in all, Anne Bradstreet’s hope and humble writing stand out among a time where such literature was scarce.  Relying on God and His good grace instead of works, she is able to smile and encourage even in the darkest of circumstances.  Bradstreet additionally balances her ingenious writing with humble strokes, humor and wit.  Anne Bradstreet is thus truly a breath of fresh air in early American literature, for her writing both feeds the soul and lightens the spirit.

Cite:

Perkins, George B., and Barbara Perkins. The American Tradition in Literature. 12th ed. Vol. 1. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print.

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