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John Smith Description Of Virginia

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John Smith's Take On The New World

John Smith's description of 17th century Virginia is a flattering, vivid recount of prosperous lands, abundant forests, and fertile soils. He writes that both the Virginian climate and geography are exemplary for a profitable colony, with conveniently placed rivers, bays, and a healthy climate for farm animals. The natives are knowledgeable, but weak and docile. The picture Smith paints is an ingratiating one; he writes that he has found a paradise in the New World. The first description of Jamestown and the Virginian territory surrounding it is a passage praising the fertility and habitability of the lands; he relays that Virginia possesses ideal conditions to support an English colony. Smith states, …show more content…
The explorer writes that the bounty of Virginia is nonpareil to that of England—or even all of Europe, and that the costly goods England buys each year from neighboring European countries can be found in America, unattended and unclaimed. He imparts, "Muscovia and Polonia yearly receive many thousands for pitch, tar, soap, ashes, rosin, flax, cordage, sturgeon, masts, yards, wainscot, furs, glass, and suchlike; also Swethland for iron and copper. France in like manner for wine, canvas, and salt, Spain as much for iron, steel, flax, raisins, and Sherryl Italy with silks and velvet [...] then how much has Virginia the prerogative of all those flourishing kingdoms for the benefit of our lands when within 100 miles of those are to be had either ready provided by nature or else to be prepared," (19). Here, it is shown that Smith believes that America is a cornucopia, with goods growing in every tree, waiting for a English immigrant to reap its riches. The Englishman is pleased to have found that America is not only beautiful, but prosperous and fertile as well. Finally, at the end of his portrayal of the New World, John Smith explains to his readers, "Only copper might be lacking, but there is good probability that both copper and better minerals are there to be had if they are worked for" (19). In …show more content…
While the European acknowledges that the Native Americans are intelligent, noting, "quick of apprehension and very ingenious." (19), he quickly becomes condescending, observing, "Some more of the disposition fearful, some bold, most cautious, all savage" (19-20). He describes them as "savages" and uncultured, as the pioneer most likely thinks himself better than the natives, and critiques their dispositions, writing, "They are soon moved to anger, and so malicious, that they seldom forget an injury" (20). The explorer even goes so far as to refer to the material and objects they value as worthless, stating, "Generally covetous of copper, beads and such like trash" (20). He degrades them by demeaning their values and referring to them as savages, for, though he values Virginian lands, he thinks of the people who live there and their possessions as

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