Background
Today we will conduct a close reading of one of the earliest recorded speeches by a Native American leader in English colonial records. This discourse was delivered by Chief Powhatan (Wahunsenacawh) to Captain John Smith and other English colonists around 1609, during a critical period in the relationship between the Powhatan Confederacy and the Jamestown settlement.
Remember that this speech comes to us filtered through English sources, likely translated and possibly altered in the recording process. As you analyze Powhatan’s words, consider both what he’s trying to communicate and the limitations of how this text has been preserved for us.
Instructions
Step 1: Initial Reading
Each table should read through Powhatan’s Discourse carefully, with one person reading aloud while others follow along. Don’t worry about analysis yet—just focus on understanding the basic content and getting a feel for Powhatan’s voice and message.
Step 2: Focused Analysis
Your table has been assigned a specific theme or concept to explore in Powhatan’s speech. Read through the text again, this time looking specifically for evidence related to your assigned theme. Mark relevant passages, note specific word choices, and discuss how Powhatan develops this theme throughout his discourse.
Step 3: Develop Your Analysis
Work together to answer these questions about your assigned theme:
- Observe: What specific words, phrases, or passages relate to your theme?
- Interpret: How does Powhatan develop this theme? What rhetorical strategies does he use?
- Argue: What is Powhatan’s main argument or position regarding your theme?
Step 4: Prepare Presentation
Write your key observations and interpretations on the board under your theme heading. Be prepared to quote specific passages to support your analysis.
Step 5: Class Discussion
Each table will present their findings. Listen carefully to other groups’ analyses and consider how all these themes work together in Powhatan’s overall argument.
Table Discussions
Table 1: Historical Context and Colonial Tensions
Analyze what this speech reveals about the broader situation in 1609 Virginia. What historical circumstances and colonial pressures led to this moment? Look for evidence of ongoing conflicts, resource competition, and the deteriorating relationship between the Powhatan Confederacy and Jamestown. What does Powhatan’s tone suggest about how desperate or critical the situation has become?
Table 2: English Colonial Behavior and Criticisms
Focus on Powhatan’s observations and criticisms of English colonial behavior. What specific complaints does he make about how the colonists have acted? How does he characterize English motivations, methods, and cultural practices? What does this reveal about Native American perspectives on early colonial expansion and settlement strategies?
Table 3: Land and Territory
Investigate Powhatan’s references to land, territory, and geographic space. How does he describe the relationship between his people and the land? What claims does he make about territorial rights, and how does his concept of land use or ownership compare to English assumptions?
Table 4: Rhetorical Strategies and Persuasion
Examine Powhatan’s use of language as a tool of persuasion. How does he structure his argument? What rhetorical devices does he employ (threats, appeals to emotion, logical reasoning, etc.)? How does he balance firmness with diplomacy? How do you believe his speech would have sounded to an English audience versus a Native American one?
Table 5: Cultural Differences and Misunderstandings
Analyze how Powhatan addresses cultural differences between Native Americans and English colonists. Look for his observations about English behavior, customs, or values that he finds problematic or puzzling. How does he attempt to bridge or explain cultural gaps?
Table 6: Power Dynamics and Political Authority
Examine the complex power dynamics revealed in this speech. How does Powhatan assert his authority while acknowledging English military advantages? What does he reveal about Native American political structures and decision-making processes? How does he position himself as both a leader who wants peace and a warrior prepared for war?
Remember: This is an ungraded, collaborative learning activity. The goal is to practice close reading skills and develop deeper understanding of this important historical document. Don’t worry about finding the “right” answer—focus on supporting your interpretations with specific evidence from the text.