Working Together

The theme of working together toward a common goal is a persistent one in the novel. Captain Smith takes special pains to teach Samuel this lesson for his own good and to set an example for the rest of the colony.

In the first few chapters of the novel, Samuel is clearly not willing to work together with anyone. He neither trusts nor sees the purpose in alliances.

Then, in Chapter 5, Samuel and Capt. Smith see a thresher shark and swordfish attack a whale and kill it. Smith draws the analogy clearly: smaller entities can take down a bigger entity if they are willing to work together. In this way, he sees the commoners able to hold their own against the power of the gentlemen.

In Chapter 8, Samuel gets into a fight with Richard on board ship on the way to James Town. Instead of...