Introduction
The Protestant Reformation was a lengthy process that began with the dissatisfaction of English communities with the Church. This essay will focus on the report by William Bradford, who describes this process in great detail. The desire to obtain freedom for their branch of Christianity led to the rise of this man as a leader among people whose actions preserved this effort.
Analysis of Bradford’s Report
The report focuses on the history of the recently founded colony, where pivotal events that reshaped the world occurred. In its opening line, the author points to the people of the first colony, who managed to survive the hardships this unknown land imposed over the past years (Greenblatt and Christ 154). These individuals overcome these challenges in hopes of greater freedom.
The meeting focuses on the potential of this place to provide food for new arrivals. This gathering bears significance to the origins of Thanksgiving as the bountiful harvest allowed settlers to survive after other pilgrims failed to do so and perished (Greenblatt and Christ 132). However, the event itself does not bear resemblance to its current understanding.
Bradford’s report does not align with the modern narratives of a peaceful meeting between Native Americans and colonists. In fact, the Indians were living among the pilgrims at the time of the harvest festival (Greenblatt and Christ 154). It appears that the celebration was not about unification but about survival.
Conclusion
In summary, Bradford’s work illustrates the hardships of the first colonists, who suffered greatly as the first settlers in an undeveloped land far from civilization. The report focuses on the history of this place and on people’s desire to establish a fellowship among Christians who shared the same ideals. The gathering and the holiday itself appear to be based on a victory of new arrivals to the continent over nature.
Work Cited
Greenblatt, Stephen, and Carol T Christ. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 9th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2012.