Texts written during the time of the settlement in America often include descriptions of Indian tribes and Native Americans. In these descriptions the Indians are often called “Savages” because of their outer appearance and their behaviour. But were those Indians really savages, barbarians or devils? Were they as uncivilized as often dscribed or are those images the result of misunderstandings? Is it possible that they were more civilized than the White Men? To answer these question it is necessary to have a closer look on those texts, for example, the texts of John Smith and Benjamin Franklin who build up different pictures of the Native Americans and the White Men. Smith’s and Franklin’s texts have varying approaches and backgrounds but both men had close contact to the Indians. Therefore their texts are good basics to answer the questions in an objective way because their varying descriptions make it possible to carefully consider the facts and opinions. Because both texts are subjective it is also necessary to give some facts about Indian tribes and their ways of life. John Smith’s text is about the Powhatan whereas Benjamin Franklin mostly writes about the Iroquois. Therefore it is obvious to also consider facts about those tribes and not only refer to Smith and Franklin. All these backgroung information will help to clearify who “the real savages” are.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. John Smith
- 2.1. From "The General History of Virginia"
- 2.2. Explanations concerning Smith's descriptions
- 2.3. Conclusion
- 3. Benjamin Franklin
- 3.1. From Remarks concerning the Savages of North America
- 3.2. Irony and Explanation
- 3.3. Conclusion
- 4. Other Images of the Native Americans
- 4.1. American Indians - A General Overview
- 4.2. The Powhatan
- 4.3. The Iroquois
- 5. Conclusion - Who are the real Savages?
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this research is to analyze depictions of Native Americans and white men in the writings of John Smith and Benjamin Franklin, examining the contrasting images presented and exploring whether the label "savage" accurately reflects the reality of these encounters. The analysis aims to move beyond simple characterizations and consider the historical context, cultural misunderstandings, and biases inherent in these accounts.
- Contrasting portrayals of Native Americans and white men in historical texts.
- Exploration of the term "savage" and its implications in the context of colonial encounters.
- Analysis of the cultural biases and misunderstandings shaping the narratives.
- Examination of the role of power dynamics in the construction of these images.
- Evaluation of the reliability and objectivity of historical accounts.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research by posing the central question: who were the "real savages"—the Native Americans or the white men? It introduces the primary sources—the writings of John Smith and Benjamin Franklin—and explains their significance for understanding the complex relationships between settlers and Native Americans during the early colonial period. The chapter highlights the subjective nature of these texts and the necessity of supplementing them with factual information about various Native American tribes to provide a more nuanced and complete picture.
2. John Smith: This chapter analyzes John Smith's "The General History of Virginia," focusing on his portrayal of both Native Americans and the white settlers. Smith’s depiction of Native Americans is ambivalent, showcasing their hospitality alongside acts of violence and captivity. His description highlights the cultural differences, including the Powhatan's lack of familiarity with European technologies and their contrasting worldview. Meanwhile, Smith's portrayal of the settlers reveals their struggles with survival, alongside their cruelty and betrayals towards the Native Americans. This contradictory presentation creates a complex image of both groups, raising questions about the justifications for acts of violence and exploitation on the part of the settlers.
3. Benjamin Franklin: This chapter delves into Benjamin Franklin's "Remarks concerning the Savages of North America," examining his presentation of Native Americans and white colonists. Similar to Smith’s account, Franklin's portrayal is multifaceted, but the chapter focuses on analyzing the irony and underlying explanations for Franklin's narrative. The chapter explores how Franklin's observations of Iroquois culture, values, and social structures are filtered through his own biases and the prevailing colonial worldview. It unpacks the implications of the contrasting images he presents, leading to a deeper understanding of the complexities of colonial interactions.
4. Other Images of the Native Americans: This chapter expands the analysis by incorporating broader perspectives on Native American life and culture, supplementing Smith and Franklin's accounts with factual information about the Powhatan and Iroquois tribes. By presenting a more comprehensive overview of these cultures, the chapter counters the biased and simplistic portrayals found in the primary sources. The comparative analysis allows for a more nuanced understanding of the cultural differences and challenges faced during colonial encounters.
Keywords
Native Americans, Colonial America, John Smith, Benjamin Franklin, Powhatan, Iroquois, "savages," cultural bias, historical narratives, colonial encounters, ambivalent portrayals, cultural relativism, power dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analyzing Depictions of Native Americans in the Writings of John Smith and Benjamin Franklin
What is the main objective of this research?
The research analyzes how Native Americans and white men are depicted in the writings of John Smith and Benjamin Franklin. It examines the contrasting images presented and questions whether the term "savage" accurately reflects the reality of their encounters. The analysis considers historical context, cultural misunderstandings, and biases.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
Key themes include contrasting portrayals of Native Americans and white men, the implications of the term "savage" in colonial encounters, the influence of cultural biases and misunderstandings, the role of power dynamics in shaping narratives, and the evaluation of the reliability and objectivity of historical accounts.
Which primary sources are analyzed?
The primary sources are the writings of John Smith ("The General History of Virginia") and Benjamin Franklin ("Remarks concerning the Savages of North America").
How does the research analyze John Smith's portrayal of Native Americans?
The analysis of Smith's work reveals an ambivalent depiction of Native Americans, showing both hospitality and acts of violence and captivity. It highlights cultural differences and questions the justifications for violence and exploitation by the settlers.
How does the research analyze Benjamin Franklin's portrayal of Native Americans?
The research examines the irony and underlying explanations in Franklin's narrative. It explores how his observations are filtered through his own biases and the prevailing colonial worldview, unpacking the implications of the contrasting images he presents.
What other sources are considered besides Smith and Franklin?
The research expands beyond Smith and Franklin by incorporating factual information about the Powhatan and Iroquois tribes, providing a more comprehensive overview of their cultures and countering biased portrayals in the primary sources.
What is the significance of the term "savage" in this research?
The research explores the term "savage" and its implications within the context of colonial encounters, analyzing how it was used to justify actions and shape perceptions of Native Americans.
What is the overall conclusion of the research?
The research aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between settlers and Native Americans during the early colonial period, challenging simplistic characterizations and exploring the subjective nature of historical accounts. The ultimate question remains: who were the "real savages"?
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include Native Americans, Colonial America, John Smith, Benjamin Franklin, Powhatan, Iroquois, "savages," cultural bias, historical narratives, colonial encounters, ambivalent portrayals, cultural relativism, and power dynamics.
What is the structure of the document this FAQ is based on?
The document includes an introduction, a table of contents, a section outlining the objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and a list of keywords.
- Quote paper
- Jessica Narloch (Author), 2006, White men or Native Americans: Who are the real savages?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/70462
