ENGL 201
Kalechie L. Thompson
Department of Science, Liberty University
ENGL 201: American Literature I
Dr. Andrew Smith
ENGL 201
Compare and Contrast John Smith, William Bradford, and John
Winthrop as Historians and Literary Writers - APA
Thesis statement: Although John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop all contributed
to the development of early American literature, their unique writing styles and historical
perspectives reveal distinct differences in their literary and historical contributions to colonial
America.
I.John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop were important figures in early
American literature who documented the history of colonial America, but their unique
writing styles and perspectives reveal distinct differences in their literary and historical
contributions to the development of American identity.
a.Although all three writers were instrumental in documenting the early history of
colonial America, they each brought their unique perspectives to the task,
reflecting different experiences, backgrounds, and historical contexts.
b.By examining the similarities and differences between these three writers, we can
gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between history,
literature, and the development of American identity, shedding light on how these
writers helped shape early America's cultural and intellectual landscape.
II.John Smith's writings reflect his adventurous spirit and his belief in the importance of
self-reliance, while William Bradford's writings reflect his deep religious faith and his
commitment to building a godly community in the New World.
a.John Smith's writings, such as "A True Relation of Virginia" and "The Generall
Historie of Virginia," emphasize the importance of exploration, adventure, and
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III.
self-reliance, reflecting his own experiences as an adventurer and explorer. By
contrast, William Bradford's writings, such as "Of Plymouth Plantation,"
emphasize the importance of religious faith, community, and cooperation,
reflecting his own experiences as a member of the Puritan community in New
England.
b.While John Smith's writings often focus on his own experiences and adventures,
William Bradford's writings are more concerned with the broader social and
political context of early American settlement, emphasizing the importance of
building a godly community in the New World. These differences in perspective
reflect the unique historical contexts of each writer and the different challenges
they faced as early American settlers.
John Winthrop's writings reflect his commitment to building a godly community in
the New World, while John Smith's writings reflect his more individualistic and
secular perspective on the opportunities and challenges of early American settlement.
a.John Winthrop's writings, such as "A Model of Christian Charity" and "The
History of New England," emphasize the importance of building a godly
community in the New World, reflecting his own experiences as a Puritan leader
in colonial America. By contrast, John Smith's writings, such as "The Generall
Historie of Virginia," emphasize early American settlement's individualistic and
secular aspects, focusing on opportunities for wealth, adventure, and exploration.
b.John Winthrop's writings are more focused on the religious and moral dimensions
of early American settlement, but John Smith's writings are more focused on the
practical and economic dimensions of settlement, reflecting his experiences as a
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V.
IV.
merchant and adventurer. These differences in perspective reflect the unique
historical contexts of each writer and the different challenges they faced as early
American settlers.
Despite their differences, John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop all
played important roles in shaping early American literature and culture, reflecting the
diverse experiences and perspectives of early American settlers.
a.Although John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop had different
perspectives on early American settlement, they all shared a commitment to
building a new society in the New World, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of
early American settlers. Their writings helped to shape the cultural and
intellectual landscape of colonial America, providing a foundation for later writers
and thinkers.
b.Despite their differences, John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop all
contributed to the development of a distinctively American literary tradition,
drawing on their experiences in the New World to create works that reflected the
unique challenges and opportunities of early American settlement. Their writings
helped to establish a sense of national identity and cultural heritage that would
continue to evolve.
In conclusion, the writings of John Smith, William Bradford, and John Winthrop
provide valuable insights into the diverse experiences and perspectives of early
American settlers. While each author had a unique writing style and historical
perspective, their works reflect a shared commitment to building a new society in the
New World and establishing a distinctively American literary tradition. By exploring
ENGL 201
the different themes and perspectives of these early American writers, we can
gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and intellectual landscape of colonial
America and the foundations of American literature and culture.
ENGL 201
References
Captain John Smith - Historic Jamestowne Part of Colonial National Historical Park (U.S.
National Park Service). (n.d.). https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/life-of-
john-smith.htm
Levine, R. S., Elliott, M. A., Gustafason, S. M., Hungerford, A., & Loeffelholz, M. (Eds.).
(2016). The Norton Anthology of American Literature: Volume A and B (Vol. 1). WW
Norton & Company
Susan, B. (2019). The Bedford Anthology American Literature, Volume 1, Second Edition,
Liberty University (2nd ed.)
