Bradford And Bradstreet Discussion Question
Bradford and Bradstreet
In this assignment, you will respond to 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. a. Briefly describe the voyage on the ship, citing three events that affected the journey.
b. List three difficulties Bradford and his group encountered upon landing.
c. As you discuss these events, comment upon the role God and His providence plays. Give
at least two specific quotes that show their reliance upon God and the fact that they see
all that happens as part of His plan.
2. Bradford makes use of a number of biblical allusions, footnoted in the text. Choose two and
explain how the allusions are related to Bradford’s account.
3. In “Difficult Beginnings,” what is the difference between the way the pilgrims react to the
difficult times and the way the sailors do?
4. 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. Explain the metaphor in stanza 2. Be as specific as possible in your explanation.
3. How does the speaker explain the child’s untimely death?
“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?
