I enjoyed readings by John Smith to be interesting. While I found much of A Description of New England hard to follow and understand, the class discussion clarified much of the writing for me. I found it interesting that John Smith seemed to have forgotten the reasons that made him leave
A Description of New England in my eyes was difficult to read, as I felt it was hard to understand. This was due to the language used and the way that it was written. In this work, Smith tried to manipulate people into believing that
The Generall Historie of Virgins was Smith’s writings of his near execution by the Indians. This writing was much more enjoyable to read, although I am not completely convinced of the authenticity of the story. It seems to me that because of Smith’s attitude and his need to be important, this story was probably more fabricated.
5 comments:
The discussion in class also helped me to understand the readings a lot better. It really is interesting that john smith left England because he felt he was bullied, and then went on to bully people into colonizing. The fact that he was hypocritical, I think stems from the overwhelming sense of his narcissism. He has convinced himself that he is above everyone else and thus doesn’t adhere to the same rules or self values.
I see we are both on the same page about Smith's writings not being overly boring, which makes me feel better. I also agree that class discussion is clarifying and were it not for the input of everyone, these blog assignments would be a lot tougher.
I agree with your thoughts that John Smith had his own motives and was striving for power and control. I agree that Smith wrote as though America was a great land that showed great promise for farming and all types of possibility. In truth, America was forests that were already inhabitated by others and the colonists were not prepared nor did they have all they would need to survive. John Smith was upset with England though and maybe it was some sort of revenge but he wanted power and control and he could get that by taking people from England and becoming their leader in America.
I agree that a "Description of New England" was hard to follow because of the language. I think that for me anyway that is not like anything I have ever had to read, so it was an entirely new kind of reading and language all in one.
I also agree that Smith was in no way a true leader. He had a clear "follower" mentality. This is not the kind of person who should be gathering people to colonize, or trying to change the ways of others.
The unrealistic picture that Smith paints for people in the first piece is due much in part to his exaggeration. Although America did have many untapped resources, I am sure that there were not quite as many great opportunities as he proposed.
Drew, I think you raise an excellent question about the leadership qualities of John Smith. It definitely does seem that he has forgotten the reasons why he left England in the first place. Even though you felt this was difficult to read, I think you understood a lot of the main ideas and points that Smith was trying to convey in his piece.
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