Writing in the “Plain Style”
Puritans wrote in a style which we call the “plain style.” Although it may not seem plain to us, this style may not seem so plain, but it was considered plain during the time the Puritans lived. A description of the plain style is provided in the explanation of the in-class activity below. This activity will help you to better understand the plain writing style used by the Puritans, and to translate this style of writing into a style of writing we would use today. It will also help you to understand William Bradford’s intentions in writing “Of Plymouth Plantation.”
Vocabulary to be covered:
imagery
metaphor
figure of speech
clarity
In-Class Activity:
William Bradford wrote in a particular style known as the "Plain Style." This style emphasized simple sentences and the use of everyday words. It avoided elaborate images and figures of speech. The goal was clarity of thought.
The first lines of Bradford’s Journal (using Bradford’s own spelling) read
"Of Plimoth Plantation. And first of ye occasion and indusments ther unto; the which, that I may truly unfould, I must begine at ye very root & rise of ye same. The which I shall endevor to manefest in a plaine stile, with singuler regard unto ye simple trueth in all things, at least as near as my slender judgmente can attaine the same."
Your job:
1.) Rewrite Bradford’s lines in modern English, using correct modern spelling.
2.) Next, rewrite the lines in your own language. Is your version longer or shorter than Bradford’s?
3.) Compare your re-write with at least two students around you. Write down comments about how other students’ rewrites are similar or different from yours.
4.) Please answer the following question: What thoughts was Bradford trying to express in the passage which you just re-worded?