Pocahontas by Demarcus Fields

Pocahontas was born in Werowocomoco (present day Gloucester County, Virginia) in 1596. As she lived a very short life, dying at the age of 21 of an unknown illness, she was a Native American most notable for associating with the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. Her Father is Wahunsenacawh, Powhatan Chief and her mother and siblings are unknown. She was married to John Rolfe, early English settler and first successful tobacco cultivator, and they have one child together, Thomas Rolfe. Aside from that, she has only truly loved one man, John Smith. John smith was the Admiral of New England, English soldier, explorer, and author.

One of Smith’s more famous missions occurred in 1607 when he was mercilessly captured by haunting Indians. After the men with him were killed, he was aligned for his blood to be shed but Pocahontas laid the forehead of her skull across his chest before her father could behead him. Agreeably, lots of speculation was going on in the land that John Smith would be left last to “be murdered,” after all of his soldiers were killed first. Possibly John Smith’s wit and intelligence swayed Chief Powhatan when he captured John because he is known for freeing himself from tight spots, everything being strategically planned. “Indeed one of the most colorful of all the Englishmen ever involved in America (Norton pg. 81). He believes John could be the perfect son in law with their similar characteristics because they both represent their tribe and colony well. Maybe Pocahontas and her father came to an understanding in conversation about her love with John but they had to stage a possible death. However these contemplations lye, we understand this event showcased Pocahontas and John’s love affair. “Whatever role Pocahontas played, what Smith took to be his impending execution may have been nothing more than a harmless adoption ceremony inducting him into Powhatan’s tribe (Norton pg. 82). Seemingly, women are more emotional beings so her heart couldn’t allow the love of her life to die in front of her.

“In this episode as in others, Smith’s volatile and unpredictable relations with the Native Americans were characteristic. Also characteristic was the fact that as a writer smith milked the story of his rescue by Pocahontas” (Norton pg. 82). At one point Smith totally minimized the importance of Pocahontas’ brave move. Smith believed Pocahontas would have allowed Chief Powhatan to kill him because he had no idea their relationship got that serious. Though, John recounts how important she is by recasting the story and making it opposite 15 years later. He expresses his love and desire to be with Pocahontas as he met her in the beginning of her adolescence years.

Pocahontas and John were having an affair for a while, but they never married. In 1613, being captured by the Anglo-Indians, she was held for ransom. Pocahontas named was changed to Rebecca when she converted to Christianity in captivity. During this time, she was told Smith was dead as she met John Rolfe. John Rolfe was a man of power and knew she needed some bring Virginia colony to the attention of prominent English men and women. He kept her away from John Smith until 1616 where she expressed her sentiments and grief knowing he didn’t attempt to come after her. In 1617, Pocahontas passed away due to a broken heart. Her autopsy proves it was pneumonia, but I believe other wise. Rebecca was in love with Smith so much she couldn’t continue life without him.

I believe this text showcases the language of love and how desperate for power Native Americans are. John Smith went to another part of the land to seek power then got captured. Through his capturing, rather they planned for him to be killed first hand or an agreement to be free, he still found his way out. In modern times, the power of finesse has always been strong sense the 1600’s. Possibly, he lured Pocahontas in to save himself as well as because it was real love. This text is very important to allow the reader and society to understand Pocahontas story. Her story has evolved in each century. Pocahontas relates to every generation and liberates the acts of racism and class systems. Her tribe had more but shared the wealth with her love, John. This is celebratory text interracial couples and the dream Martin Luther about freedom. The overall message is that love should be able to conquer anything and turn the most evil hearts around which showcased with Chief Powhatan.