Analysis of Pocahontas’ Character Through Her Life

The Myth vs. Reality of Pocahontas

The myth of Pocahontas’ life does not compare very closely to the reality of what she experienced, but that does not mean that her story has any less significance. Pocahontas’ upbringing has many similarities to that of other young Powhatan females, but many of her experiences, particularly as she grows older, differ greatly from the lives of fellow young native women. Through the analysis of Camilla Townsend in her book Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma (Townsend, 2004), a more developed picture of her life is painted to show the ways in which she was both a typical and an exceptional young Powhatan woman.

Analysis of Pocahontas’ Character Through Her Early Life

Pocahontas’ early life reflects that of many of the girls around her. She received the name Amonute in a village ceremony and earned her commonly known name by the age of ten. She had the same expectations in helping with the work – she took care of younger children and worked alongside other women in farming, cooking, gathering, and cleaning. She listened to many of the same stories from older people in the village and learned about their gods and history too. In short, Pocahontas was immersed in the same culture as fellow Powhatan women because that is what she grew up in, regardless of her close relationship with the chief of so many groups (Townsend, 2004).

Unique Experiences That Set Pocahontas Apart

Of course, Pocahontas’ life ultimately did include a number of experiences that typical Powhatan women would not have. At ten years old, she was sent as a representative of her father to the English fort and played a role in lots of the exchange that occurred between the opposing groups. In her first visit at that young age, she was successful in negotiating a prisoner’s release—something that many could not claim to do. This showcased her early development as a diplomat between cultures.

She also experienced captivity as one of the colonizers’ most prized prisoners. Although kidnapping was supposedly common among her people, the experience she had is set apart because of her value to the English. Plus, she experienced knowing that her father did not offer enough to save her—a psychological struggle that adds depth to understanding her personal journey (Townsend, 2004). On top of these challenges, Pocahontas also accepted a new religion and name, likely as fulfillment to a treaty. And finally, she went to England where she became a symbol used for various political purposes.

As compared to typical Powhatan women, most of these experiences were rare if not unique. Her role in the dilemma between Powhatan groups and English colonizers really makes her stand out; it makes her exceptional (Smithsonian Institution). Such experiences illuminate not just cultural conflicts but also gender dynamics within colonial power structures.

The Significance of Pocahontas' Story

Altogether, Pocahontas’ story both aligns well and stands apart from the experiences of other women like her. Townsend illustrates this very well throughout her book (Townsend, 2004), and while these similarities and differences are apparent, they build Pocahontas’ character in a realistic and human way. The complexities inherent in these contrasts reveal much about broader historical narratives involving colonialism and indigenous resilience.

References

• Townsend, C. (2004). Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series. New York: Hill & Wang.
• Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). Native Knowledge 360°. Retrieved from https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/pocahontas-and-the-powhatan-dilemma