Plymouth Plantation

http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm

Excerpt from Plymouth Plantation:

After they had enjoyed fair winds and weather for a season, they were encountered many times with cross winds and met with many fierce storms with which the ship was soundly shaken, and her upper works made very leaky; and one of the main beams in the mid-ship was bowed and cracked, which put them in some fear that the ship could not be able to perform the voyage. So some of the chief of the company, perceiving the mariners to fear the insufficiency of the ship as appeared by their mutterings, they entered into serious consultation with the master and other officers of the ship, to consider in time of the danger, and rather to return than to cast themselves into a desperate and inevitable peril. And truly there was great distraction and difference of opinion amongst the mariners themselves; fain would they do what could be done for their wages’ sake (being now near half the seas over) and on the other hand they were loath to hazard their lives too desperately. But in examining of all opinions, the master and others affirmed they knew the ship to be strong and firm under water; and for the buckling of the main beam, there was a great iron screw the passengers brought out of Holland, which would raise the beam into his place; the which being done, the carpenter and master affirmed that with a post put under it, set firm in the lower deck and otherwise bound, he would make it sufficient. And as for the decks and upper works, they would caulk them as well as they could, and though with the working of the ship they would not long keep staunch, yet there would otherwise be no great danger, if they did not over-press her with sails. So they committed themselves to the will of God and resolved to proceed.

Bradford, William. “Plymouth Plantation”, 14 June 2004. 7 April 2008.
<http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm>

Although many of the passengers on board the ship are terrified for their lives they submit to what can be called "Manifest Destiny". This, which is believed to be God's will, urges them to move forward. Many of the passengers have lost belief that the "American Dream" is not worth risking their lives on this ship, but wish to turn back. These individuals don't believe that what is promised by the Dream is really worth such risk-taking behavior. Instead, they wish to return home and remain as safe as they can. This shows that not all had the highest hopes and expectations of the American Dream.

Diary:

The journey to America was becoming increasingly frightening - as each day passed, fear began to well up in the hearts of each passenger. The crew tries to assure us that the ship is strong, but we all seem to think otherwise. Either way, I am simply ready to reach land again. However, I can only submit myself to the will of God as I wait for our arrival.

Essential Question:

The passengers on the ship wish to begin and pursue their American Dream, taking a shot at success. Although they may not even succeed, they are willing to risk their lives for a chance.