Of Plymouth Plantation (Bradford) Essay Example

When Bradford and his men arrived at Plymouth Plantation they soon discovered Native Americans. Bradford had created many single stories and before thoughts that changed throughout the story very quickly when he met the Natives. Throughout the text you can really see Bradford start to transform his thoughts by his actions and his verbal views on the Natives. In the start of the text Bradford relates the Natives to the Bible story, Apostle, but in a very harsh way. The text states “ But these savage barbarians, when they met with them, were readier to fill their sides full of arrows than otherwise.” Bradford really took a quick jump step when thinking this, calling them barbaric (uncivilized), and savages. It is hard to make that judgment so quickly because being civilized and uncivilized changes depending on what culture you’re into. For Bradford and his men the Indians were uncivilized, and to the Indians the Englishmen were uncivilized, it all depends on what you grew up around and your cultural norms. 

Another example of Bradford judging too quickly is when the text states, “Besides what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men.” Bradford is assuming and putting the Indians in the wild category meaning they are then again “uncivilized” and barbaric. He is more likely putting himself and his men above the Indians, by calling them savages, wild, and barbaric. Before he actually knew the Indians, Bradford created many single stories about them that were not fair to make. Once he gets to actually speak to the Indians his views on them noticeably change. In the text Bradford was shocked by what he had witnessed, “March, a Indian came boldly amongst them and spoke to them in broken English, which they could understand but marveled at.” Bradfords view changed when this happened because at first he thought the Indians only spoke their language and didn't care enough to speak English, he was wrong, they were intelligent and had an organized society. Maybe not like the Enlgishmen but it was good for them. Bradford saw this and thought they could become allies with the Indians because now they speak our language.

My last example is when Bradford and the Indians made peace the text states, “ With whom, after friendly entertainment and some gifts given to him, they made peace with him (which hath now continued this 24 years) in these terms.” Bradford was kind of one sided on these 6 terms. 1,2 Dont hurt his men or your men will have severe consequences. 3, don't steal from him or his men will do the same. 4, If any war happens natives must help and English will help Natives as well. 5, Tell your people about the peace treaty that we made. 6, If the Natives come to them they have to leave their bows and arrows behind them. These 6 terms are more on the English side and shows that he still doesn't have full trust in the Indians, but more than he had. These examples show how Bradfors thoughts and single stories change throughout his time spent with the Natives.