John Smith Contributions

Wynter 1 Early writers of America made many contributions to the development of a distinct American identity. Some of these contributors included John Smith, William Bradford, John Winthrop, Anne Bradstreet, Mary Rowlandson, and Cotton Mather. These writers all expressed their unique views through their writing. These contributions will be further explained throughout this paper. John Smith, an English soldier and author, was born in January of 1850. He is known for founding the first English settlement. Along with his founding of the first English settlement, he was also famous for his literary works. His literary works held the same amount of importance as his founding of Jamestown. Some of his famous works included
a Map of Virginia, The Proceedings of the English Colony in Virginia, and the General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles. Smith’s literature assisted in documenting the first colonies of America. His work entitled the The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles explains the different conflicts that the colonists and himself encountered. Smith tried his best to keep the colonists safe. “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, yet he was shot in his Wynter 2 thigh a little, and had many arrows that stuck in his clothes but no great hurt, till at last they took him prisoner.”(Norton & Company, p.48) This passage described how Smith risked his life to protect others and pave a way for the people of today. His actions articulates his bravery and his loyalty to himself and the colonists. William Bradford, an English leader, was born on March 19, 1590.
He was known to most as the leader of the Pilgrims but also for his most famous literary work, Of Plymouth Plantation. This work described the voyage of the Pilgrims to Cape Cod, their search for a place to call “home”, and the difficulties they encountered once they settled. The voyage had the appearance to be adequately dangerous at some points but the Pilgrims were able to arrive to their destination safely. Upon their search for a place to settle the Pilgrims encountered problems with the Indians because they entered the Indians’ territory. After the conflict with the Indians, the Pilgrims were able to find a place to settle of their own. After settling their land, the Pilgrims experience some difficult times. “In these hard and difficult beginnings they found some discontents and murmurings arise amongst some, and mutinous speeches and carriages in other; but they were soon quelled and overcome by the wisdom, patience, and just and equal carriage of things by the governor and better part, which clave faithfully together in the main.” (Norton & Company, p.66) This passage shows that the Pilgrims were strong people. Though they were deemed strong people,they were
still Wynter 3 affected by the spread of diseases which decreased the population. Aside from the unfortunate events that took place, there was the first Thanksgiving. This proves the book(The Norton Anthology American Literature) as a veracious source when it says that the Pilgrims are described as the epitome of determination and self sacrifice. John Winthrop, Puritan leader, was born in 1588.
He was known to many as the first governor of the Massachusetts Colony. He also was known for one of his most famous works entitled A Model of Christianity. This work included three views that Winthrop believed in. The first view expresses Winthrop’s opinion of there being a variety and difference between creatures. The second view expresses that the social structure should not be changed but all should be treated equally. The third view indicates that no one should feel like they are more superior than the other. These views from the Model of Christianity are views that are still utilized today. In addition to the views that Winthrop believed in, there were two rules. These two rules were justice and mercy. Anne Bradstreet,an English poet was born in 1612. She was known for her deep and meaningful poems. One of her most famous poems was a poem that was written for her husband. Aside from Anne Bradstreet, there was another famous female writer of that time period. Mary Rowlandson, an American writer, was born in 1637. She was known for the narrative of her captivity by the Indians. In this narrative she grimly describes the way she was treated during her
captivity. Wynter 4 Cotton Mather, Puritan minister and author was born in 1663. He was known for his involvement in the Salem Witch Trials and also for his many writings. One of his writings included The Wonders of the Invisible World. This writing talked about the people of God that were dwelling in the devil’s territory. It is described how the devil reacted when the Gospel was first brought out. These writers have contributed the development of a distinct American identity for colonists. Their works analyzed the characteristics of the people which set an example for the colonists and made a path for them to follow. Some of the characteristics include brave, loyal, and determined. These characteristics are proven to be great symbols of colonists.

Works Cited Kelso, Dorothy Honnis. “William Bradford.” Pilgrim’s Hall Museum. May 18, 2005. Web. http://www.pilgrimhall.org/bradfordwilliam.htm. Larson, Jennifer. “John Smith: A Literary Pioneer.” Documenting the American South. October 12, 2010. Web. http://docsouth.unc.edu/highlights/smith.html Norton & Company. “Anne Bradstreet.”, “Mary Rowlandson.” The Norton Anthology American Literature Reuben, Paul. “John Winthrop.” Perspectives in American Literatue. June 26, 2009. Web. http://www.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap1/winthrop.html

Brittney Wynter
English 203.001
Dr.Carthon
October 13, 2010