Bradford and Bradstreet
Answer all questions on the readings of two authors Wil
Bradford and Bradstreet
Answer all questions on the readings of two authors William Bradford and Anne Bradstreet.
“From Of Plymouth Plantation”
To receive full credit, answer questions thoroughly with specific support the text.
1. Focusing upon pages 75-76, cite three specific events that affected the journey. Notice the word specific; do not simply write that the pilgrims encountered storms or became seasick. FYI: For those using the document from Course Resources, your focus is on the first four paragraphs.
2. From page 76 beginning with “Thus being arrived in a good harbor . . .” to the top of page 82, describe and comment upon at least two of the following (3+ sentences each):
• The dangers of the setting (the season, the land)
• The condition of the pilgrims after the long journey
• The findings of the landing party sent out on November 15
• The first encounter with the Indians.
3. As you discuss these events, explain the role that God and His providence plays according to Bradford. Choose one or two specific quotes that express Bradford’s confidence in God. Then, share any personal thoughts you have on Bradford’s faith and belief.
4. Bradford makes use of a number of allusions. These are specific biblical or historical references that are included to illustrate the circumstances in which the pilgrims found themselves. (FYI: Not every reference to scriipture is an allusion; some scriipture is included in the account as praise to God.)
Choose two of the allusions listed below and explain how they are related to Bradford’s account. Keep in mind these instructions from the “Explaining Allusions” document:
To explain an allusion, your answer must be two-fold. You must identify the original context AND the meaning this has for the current text.
You are welcome to look up references that you do not understand, such as Seneca or Mount Pisgah. However, stay away from internet commentaries that explain the allusion completely for you.
• Seeing wise Seneca (bottom of 76)
• The apostle and his shipwrecked company (top of 77)
• Neither could they, as it were, go up to the top of Pisgah (77)
• The scriipture at the bottom of 77 that begins with “Yea, let them which have been redeemed . . . .” Be sure to bring in the connection with the wilderness.
• The men of Eshcol (top of 79)
If you are using the document from Course Resources, you can use the Microsoft Word search tool (from the home page) to search words to find these allusions.
5. In “Difficult Beginnings,” what is the difference between the way the pilgrims react to the difficult times and the way the sailors do? (FYI: The heading for this passage in the document in Course Resources is “The Starving Time.”)
6. Consider the treaty drawn up with Massasoit and explain whether or not you feel its terms were equally favorable to both parties. What seems to be Bradford’s attitude toward the Indians? How does he feel about Squanto?
Poetry of Anne Bradstreet
To receive full credit, answer questions thoroughly with specific support the text.
“In Memory of My Dear Grandchild Elizabeth Bradstreet…”
1. Why should she not “bewail” the child’s fate or be upset that she died so young?
2. Identify and explain the metaphor in stanza 2. The metaphor is the actual comparison in that stanza. Be as specific as possible in your explanation.
3. Focusing on the final three lines, how does the speaker explain the child’s untimely death? Fate is a secular concept. What must it mean if Bradstreet claims that God’s hand guides fate?
“Upon the Burning of Our House . . .”
1. What are her reactions when she is wakened and realizes her house is on fire?
2. What are some specific losses that Bradstreet dwells on in the first half of the poem? Does she feel affection for objects which were in her home?
3. Explain the spiritual principles with which she comforts herself in stanzas three (lines 13-18) and seven (lines 37-42).
4. Bradstreet speaks of another “house” in an extended metaphor at the end of the poem. explain the metaphor; what is this house, who is its architect, and how is it more perfect than the house she lost?
5. Pelf – a word designating riches or worldly goods – has a negative connotation. Your footnote defines it as “money or wealth regarded with contempt.” Why do you think Bradstreet uses such a bitter word to describe her own cherished treasures?