Comparison between John Winthrop & Anne Bradstreet
John Winthrop as well as Anne Bradstreet were both writers. Both wrote about their experiences in America and basic principles in Protestantism. However, their writings on death differed. John Winthrop spoke to the Arbella’s first colonists, explaining how they would not die in New World despite the many obstacles. Anne Bradstreet wrote many years later about her life after death and how it will be different when she goes to heaven. While both writers retain basic Protestant values, the way they handle death is very different.
There is an obvious discrepancy between Bradstreet’s and Winthrops’ writings on death. John Winthrop was one of the Arbella’s crewmen who believed that they were “The Elect,” a special bunch of people sent by God directly to the New World. John Winthrop speaks to the passengers aboard the Arbella and tells them how they must survive. However, he never mentions how their lives will improve if they die. This is a key idea in Protestantism. John Winthrop ignores the idea that there is life after death. This is to motivate his audience. Winthrop says that regardless of what happens, the colony must be established. Winthrop writes that God cannot be failed by him and the Puritans who are on board the ship. God will also disown them and they won’t get to heaven. This is contrary some Protestant values, especially when it comes to Bradstreet. Anne Bradstreet, who was thirty-years old, wrote about the shortness and possibility of life. “The fearful sound ‘fire’, ‘fire,’ Let any man know that my Desire is” (Verses upon The Burning Of Our House). Bradstreet writes that she secretly wants to die and hopes that Heaven is her destiny. She explains that she believes she will go to Heaven if she dies in a house fire. Both authors have completely different ideas about death. Winthrop’s idea of survival after a colony is established seems to be able to last for a very long time. Winthrop and Bradstreet believe that it is not necessary to encourage people to live. Winthrop mentions the importance of providing for your family in his speech to encourage the Arbella members. “A man must give his life for posterity. The fathers will also do the same for their children and grandchildren. And he is worse than an infidel who provides for his family” (Model of Christian Charity 3). Winthrop hopes that passengers on the Arbella start families, that they stay with the children, and that they will be able to support them into adulthood. Although this view is quite intense, the message that the Arbella crew transmits is that they are dedicated to the establishment of the colony. Bradstreet, on her other hand, still believes in the afterlife and hopes that Bradstreet’s husband will be there to support her through the end. “Then while you live, let’s live in love, So that when we die, we may live forever” (To my Dear and Loving Husband). Bradstreet, who has been living in the colony for most of her writing career, is now able look forward to her future with her family. Bradstreet shares Winthrop’s values of strong family loyalty.
