Question

Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford. But to omit other things after a long beating at sea they fell with that land which is called Cape Cod; the which being made and certainly known to be it, they were not a little joyful. After some deliberation had amongst themselves and with the master of the ship, they tacked about and resolved to stand for the southward (the wind and weather being fair) to find some place about Hudson's River for their habitation. But after they had sailed that course about half the day, they fell among dangerous shoals and roaring breakers, and they were so far entangled therewith as they conceived themselves in great danger. Which of the following best describes the effect that third person point of view has on the reader in this passage?"

Answer 1

The third person point of view in William Bradford's passage allows the reader to observe the Pilgrims' journey with an objective lens, offering a detached and credible narrative that encapsulates the historical context and significance of their settlement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The third person point of view in the passage from Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford creates a sense of historical narrative, allowing the reader to view the experiences of the Pilgrims from a broader perspective. This point of view provides a certain objectivity and detachment, which adds to the credibility and authenticity of the account. By recounting events in third person, Bradford presents the trials, decisions, and feelings of the Pilgrims in a way that encourages the reader to understand the context and significance of their journey and settlement. It positions the reader as an observer of historical events, rather than as an insider experiencing them first-hand.

The effect on the reader is one of immersion into the historical situation, a recounting of the challenges faced by the Pilgrims: the harsh winter, their interactions with the Indians, and their eventual settlement in the new world. Through third person narration, the reader gains insight into the fears, joys, and tribulations of the Pilgrims without the bias or emotional coloration that might come with a first-person narrative.