Choose two author from the early american and colonial period identify what they wrote and in one to three paragraph compare their audience and style william bradford and thomas paine

Answer 1

William Bradford was one of the early colonial authors and the first governor of Plymouth Colony. He documented the early history of the colony in his work "Of Plymouth Plantation," which was an account of the hardships and experiences of the Pilgrims. Bradford wrote for a very specific audience: the Puritan community and future generations of Pilgrims who would read his narrative. His writing style was heavily influenced by religious beliefs, as he aimed to emphasize the importance of maintaining a godly society and the challenges faced during the early years of settlement. His work had a didactic and moralistic tone, intending to instruct and guide his audience in their spiritual and communal journey.

On the other hand, Thomas Paine was an influential writer during the early American period and a key figure in advocating for American independence. Paine's most renowned work was "Common Sense," which was a pamphlet written in 1776 that argued for the American colonies to break away from British rule. Unlike Bradford, Paine's audience was broader and more diverse, as he intended to reach a wide range of colonists who were considering the question of independence. Paine's style was straightforward, persuasive, and accessible to the common people, utilizing plain language and logical arguments to make his case. His objective was to rally public support for the revolutionary cause and to break through the intellectual and social barriers that often divided society.

In comparing Bradford and Paine, both authors wrote during the colonial era and had specific purposes for their writing. Bradford's audience was more limited, focusing on the Puritan community and future generations of Pilgrims, while Paine aimed to appeal to a broader audience of colonists. In terms of style, Bradford's writing was highly religious and instructive, reflecting his desire to maintain a godly society and educate his readers on the struggles of the early settlers. Paine, on the other hand, wrote in a more persuasive and accessible manner, targeting the common people and employing rational arguments to support the cause of American independence. Overall, both authors played significant roles in shaping early American history through their writings, albeit with distinct audiences and writing styles.