Savagizing Native Americans in William Bradford’s "Of Plymouth Plantation"

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Savagism

2.1 Puritan worldview

2.2 Theory of noble and ignoble savages

3. William Bradford’s creation of noble and ignoble savages

3.1 The savage’s first appearances

3.2 Stylistic devices

3.3 Noble savages as God - given - instruments

3.4 Ignoble savages as a threat

3.5 Bradford’s strategy of unilateral reporting

4. Conclusion

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis investigates how William Bradford utilizes the narrative construction of "noble" and "ignoble" savages within his journal, Of Plymouth Plantation, to justify the Puritan colonial project and align it with his religious worldview.

• The dichotomy of "noble" versus "ignoble" savage archetypes.
• Puritan ideological foundations and the perception of the "other."
• The usage of stylistic devices and metaphors, specifically the "God-given instrument" concept.
• The impact of unilateral reporting and the omission of historical facts.
• The intersection of colonial survival, religious ideology, and cultural identity.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Provides historical context regarding the Puritan exodus and sets the research focus on Bradford's representation of Native Americans.

2. Savagism: Explores the Enlightenment and colonial discourses on humanity, contrasting "modernist" and "primitivist" views and defining the Puritan worldview.

3. William Bradford’s creation of noble and ignoble savages: Details the primary analysis of how specific figures are categorized and deployed as tools or threats in the text.

3.1 The savage’s first appearances: Analyzes the rhetorical strategies used by Bradford when introducing different indigenous figures.

3.2 Stylistic devices: Examines the use of enumeration and metaphor, particularly the comparison of savages to beasts or guides.

3.3 Noble savages as God - given - instruments: Focuses on the core theological metaphor defining helpful Native Americans as divinely appointed tools.

3.4 Ignoble savages as a threat: Investigates the portrayal of the Narragansett Tribe and Corbitant as embodiments of evil and ongoing danger.

3.5 Bradford’s strategy of unilateral reporting: Critiques Bradford’s selective historiography and the intentional omission of external source material.

4. Conclusion: Summarizes the thesis, concluding that Bradford's representation served to maintain the Puritans' perceived chosen status while downplaying their dependence on indigenous assistance.

Keywords

William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation, Puritans, Noble Savage, Ignoble Savage, Colonialism, Native Americans, God-given instrument, Cultural Identity, Samoset, Squanto, Massasoit, Narragansett Tribe, Metaphor, Unilateral reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this thesis?

The thesis explores how William Bradford, in his journal Of Plymouth Plantation, constructs the identity of Native Americans through a rigid moral lens to validate the Puritan colonial mission.

What are the primary thematic fields covered?

The paper covers Puritan religious ideology, colonial historiography, the literary construction of archetypes (noble vs. ignoble savage), and the politics of power in early American colonial encounters.

What is the primary goal of this research?

The aim is to identify and analyze the rhetorical strategies—specifically stylistic devices and unilateral reporting—that Bradford employs to categorize Native Americans in ways that serve Puritan exceptionalism.

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The work utilizes a literary and historical analysis, contrasting Bradford's accounts with other contemporary documents (like Edward Winslow's Mourt’s Relation) to reveal biases and strategic omissions.

What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?

The main body systematically deconstructs the characterization of indigenous figures like Samoset, Squanto, and Massasoit as "divine instruments," contrasted against the Narragansett Tribe and Corbitant, who are framed as "ignoble threats."

Which keywords define this work?

Key terms include "savagization," "Puritan ideology," "God-given instrument," "unilateral reporting," and "colonial identity."

How does Bradford’s "unilateral reporting" impact his narrative?

By selectively omitting details found in other historical records, Bradford masks the agency and personal motivations of the Native Americans, portraying them solely in relation to the Puritans' needs.

Why are figures like Squanto and Samoset labeled "God-given instruments"?

This label reflects the Puritan belief that all events are divinely orchestrated; therefore, any indigenous assistance was interpreted not as a choice made by independent individuals, but as God providing help to his chosen people.

How does the thesis challenge the author's portrayal of the Narragansett Tribe?

It highlights that while Bradford paints them as a constant, bloodthirsty threat, the historical reality involved complex political maneuvering and defense of their own territories, which Bradford minimizes.