Blood on the River

What are the thoughts feelings and actions related to read of Americans in Chapter 20?

Chapter 20

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In Chapter Twenty, the author relies heavily on the theme of Culture Clash. The Virginia Company's decision to "honor" Powhatan as an English prince will obviously bring the cultural differences between the Powhatans and the English to a head, a continued foreshadowing from previous chapters. Again, the reader sees England a bit through Namontack's eyes: King James is weak and doesn't bathe and, therefore, bears none of the characteristics valued by the Powhatans, for whom a leader must be a great and wise warrior chief. The Powhatans have no concept of hereditary leadership—they choose the best man for the job. In this, the election of Capt. Smith to the presidency of James Town reflects the value of this idea. Smith is the best leader for the job, regardless of his status as a commoner. He doesn't get his job because of who his father is or his noble blood. The theme of Good Leadership versus bad is therefore also exemplified.

A misunderstanding between cultures again almost leads to bloodshed, but again Pocahontas intervenes and reassures the visitors that they need to relax and enjoy themselves. Tension and fear are always just beneath the surface.

In the end of Chapter 20, Samuel foreshadows the future with his worries about how long the peace will last. In furtherance of the theme of Love versus Fear, he spends most of his thoughts wondering how to help not only himself by moving to the Powhatan village, but also the other colonists. He sees that if he acts out of love and not of fear, he could have happiness.

Source(s)

Blood on the River