William Bradford : the pen & the person
a curriculum unit for grades 9-12

Reading assignment :
Along with his journal, Bradford tried his hand at writing poetry. Although his verse is stiff and awkward, it reveals his abiding wonder, a specific designation of himself as a pilgrim, and a lifelong sense of mission. Read a poem written by William Bradford. Link to www.pilgrimhall.org/bradfordwilliampoem.htm

Bradford was not the only English emigrant to New England to write poetry. Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672) was born in England and emigrated with her husband to Massachusetts Bay Colony (north of Plymouth) in 1630. Anne Bradstreet is regarded as one of the great 17^th century poets. Her shorter poems in particular are genuine and heartfelt, even though they are based on the formal poetic conventions of the time. Read Anne Bradstreet’s poem To My Dear and Loving Husband at www.library.utoronto.ca/utel/rp/poems/abrad9c.html

Classroom discussion questions :
Is Bradford’s poem written by a young man or an old man? Why?
To what does Bradford attribute his peace of mind? What is his attitude towards suffering and disappointments?
Unlike the Plain Style used in his journal, in his poetry Bradford uses figures of speech. What are some of the poetic images Bradford uses?
Anne Bradstreet and William Bradford used the same rhyme scheme (aa, bb, cc) and the same meter (iambic pentameter). The two poems, however, are very different in their use of language. What are some of those differences?
Contrast Bradford’s use of imagery with Bradstreet’s use of imagery? Who uses richer and more vivid language? Which poem is more emotional?
Which poems seems more personal? Which poem gives you a better picture of the writer’s character?
What do you think motivated each of these authors to write their poetry?

Proceed to Bradford as a person
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