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Similes
Book 2, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis:
Of Plymouth Plantation is written as a journal, being a (purportedly) accurate retelling of the events befalling settlers at Plymouth Plantation. Stylistically, this category of writing shares much in common with epistolary fiction. In fact, during the time period in which Of Plymouth Plantation was written—and during the following time periods, when European empires were expanding globally—it was fairly common to see "true accounts" or journal-style books detailing adventures abroad. Many of these supposed true accounts were falsified or entirely fictionalized.
On a linguistic level, Bradford's style is typical for the journal/exploration narrative genre. His language remains neutral and informative for much of the book. In select sections, however, he will utilize figurative language and allusion, particularly when describing some atrocity or moral quandary. In keeping with his religious beliefs, many of these figurative moments involve some kind of biblical invocation. In times of hardship or high emotion, Bradford will turn to religion as a means of making sense of the world around him, an aspect of his personal belief system that reflects in his stylistic choices as a writer.
Bradford also makes frequent use of the third person when describing his own actions, as is encapsulated by the following passage from Book 2, Chapter 2:
Shortly after, William Bradford was chosen governor in his stead, and having not yet recovered from his illness, in which he had been near the point of death, Isaac Allerton, was appointed assistant to him.
Stylistically, this use of the third person distances Bradford from the writing process, giving his account the appearance of greater objectivity through the eyes of readers.
Related Themes:
