Colonial literature: themes, history, and cultural significance

¶ … Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford's account of his thirty years at Plymouth, is one of the most important pieces of seventeenth century literature. Despite the journal's creative blend of fact and fiction that have many calling Bradford's journal "historical fiction," it has provided much of our information surrounding the early years at Plymouth colony.

William Bradford was not only a member of the Plymouth colony, but was also its leader who played a large role in the development of the community. Before the establishment of the colony, William Bradford who was born in Austerfield, England in 1590, spent most of his life in Holland as a member of the Scrooby Separatist Congregation.

Bradford was a member of the infamous Mayflower vessel, and began his leadership position in Plymouth Colony when the Colony's first governor, John Carver, died. Bradford served for thirty-one of a possible thirty-six one year terms as governor.

The journal was written between 1630 and 1647 and covers the Pilgrims experiences from Holland in 1608 to their experiences in Plymouth colony in 1647. It touched on a variety of issues and events that were pivotal to the community of Pilgrims in the early seventeenth century. The journal outlines the Separatists' desire to move to Leiden as a result of their religious beliefs, their collective decision to move to the New World, and many of their harrowing experiences on the Mayflower. Once in New England, William Bradford discusses more well-known events such as the "Starving Time" and the First Thanksgiving celebration. Bradford also informs his readers of more obscure events such as the widening of the Court of Assistants, Bradford's relationship with Christians, and the 1626 wreck of the Sparrow-Hawk.

William Bradford wrote "Of Plymouth Plantation" for a variety of reasons. It was important that he wrote the journal so that he could ensure that both he and the people he represented would be credited with settling the new world. For this reason, it was also important that he detail the rituals and customs of the first group of settlers at Plymouth Rock. Because his people were the "first," other people in the future may want to replicate the ways of the early people. Yet, "Of Plymouth Plantation" is a historical document that has its share of bias. Since William Bradford wanted more people to come to the New World, it would be in his best interest to leave some negative information out of the journal. Also, William Bradford would not have written anything negative about his leadership capabilities because he had a reputation to uphold.