Question 1
"At last they brought him to [Werowocomoco], where was Powhatan their Emperor. Here more then two hundred of those grim Courtiers stood wondering at him, as he had been a monster; till Powhatan and his train had put themselves in their greatest braveries. Before a fire upon a seat like a bedstead, he sat covered with a great robe, made of Rarowcun [raccoon] skins, and all the tails hanging by. At his entrance before the King, all the people gave a great shout.
Having feasted him after their best barbarous manner they could, a long consultation was held, but the conclusion was, two great stones were brought before Powhatan: then as many as could laid hands on him, dragged him to them, and thereon laid his head, and being ready with their clubs, to beat out his brains, Pocahontas the Kings dearest daughter, when no intreaty could prevail, got his head in her arms, and laid her own upon his to save him from death."
- John Smith, the General History of Virginia, 1624
Which of the following best describes the perspective of John Smith in this passage?
- Powhatan and his people were backwards barbarians
- The Native Americans were noble people who had great knowledge about their natural environment
- Powhatan liked to mock royalty by dressing up in false finery
- Native Americans lacked the vices of the more corrupt and cultured Europeans
- Native American women were dominant in their society