Final Answer:
1. Bradford makes allusions to the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, the apostle Paul's journey to Rome, and the suffering of the early Christians, highlighting the Pilgrims' arduous journey into an unknown land, emphasizing their hardships and trials akin to those faced by historical figures.
2. Bradford expresses that those who were ill and weak stayed onshore, while the healthier ones explored the land, seeking a suitable place for settlement, indicating the division of labor and responsibilities among the Pilgrims.
3. The allusion to Moses relates to the Pilgrims' experience as it signifies their search for a promised land and the hardships endured in the pursuit of religious freedom, paralleling Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt towards the Promised Land.
4. The abandoned corn signifies God's providence as it provided sustenance for the starving Pilgrims, demonstrating God's care and provision in their dire circumstances.
5. These descriptions convey a sense of harshness, adversity, and struggle, indicating Bradford's purpose to portray the immense difficulties and challenges faced by the Pilgrims in their new environment.
6. Bradford indicates the Pilgrims' belief in being chosen by God for a holy mission in lines 266-268 by referencing their faith that they were specially chosen and guided by God.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "Of Plymouth Plantation," Bradford uses various literary devices and historical references to underscore the Pilgrims' journey to the New World and their struggles. Allusions to biblical events, such as the exodus from Egypt and the experiences of figures like Moses and the apostle Paul, serve to illustrate the hardships endured by the Pilgrims. The mention of God's providence through the abandoned corn emphasizes the divine care and intervention during times of scarcity.
Bradford's descriptions of the harsh conditions—cold weather, encounters with native people, scarcity of food, and foul weather—evoke a sense of adversity and struggle, portraying the immense challenges faced by the Pilgrims in their new and unfamiliar surroundings.
Moreover, Bradford highlights the Pilgrims' conviction in being chosen by God for a divine mission, indicating their faith in divine guidance and support throughout their journey and settlement in the New World. This collectively paints a picture of perseverance, faith, and endurance amid daunting circumstances.