BSEd ENG 3 A_EARLY AMERICAN AND COLONIAL PERIOD_The struggle for Identity PDF

**"The Struggle for Identity: Insights from Captured by Opechancanaough in the Early American and Colonial Period"** **Submitted by:** Camille V. Gungab **Submitted to:** Sir Billy Joe Mercado Nicolas **Learning Objectives** At the end of the lesson, students will be able to: - understand t...

**"The Struggle for Identity: Insights from Captured by Opechancanaough in the Early American and Colonial Period"** **Submitted by:** Camille V. Gungab **Submitted to:** Sir Billy Joe Mercado Nicolas **Learning Objectives** At the end of the lesson, students will be able to: - understand the relationship between English settlers and Native Americans during the Early American and Colonial Period; - analyze the historical context of the narrative and its reflection of early colonial encounters between Native Americans and European settlers; - analyze the motivations and actions of Opechancanaough and J. Smith in the narrative; and - share their insights about the give questions October 29, 2024 **Introduction** **The Early American and Colonial Period Literature** American literature starts with the myths, legends, tales, and songs of Indian cultures that were passed down orally. Before Europeans arrived, there was no written literature among the over 500 different Indian languages and tribal cultures in North America. This led to a great diversity in Native American oral literature. In these times comes from the mix of cultures, the need to keep history alive, and also the blending of different storytelling traditions. Tribes had their own religions, worshipping gods, animals, plants, or sacred figures. Their systems of government varied from democracies to councils of elders to theocracies. These differences among tribes are also reflected in their oral literature. American Indian literature includes examples of nearly every type of oral genre, such as songs, chants, myths, fairy tales, funny stories, spells, riddles, proverbs, epic tales, and legendary histories. There are many accounts of migrations and ancestors, as well as songs for visions or healing and stories about tricksters. Some creation stories are especially well-known. The connection between Indian oral tradition and American literature is one of the most valuable yet underexplored areas in American studies. The influence of Indian cultures on America is more significant than is often believed. The Early American and Colonial Period Literature is a diverse body of work that captures the complexities of life in the new world. This era, spanning from the late 15th century to the early 19th century, their literature reflects the diverse experiences, cultures, struggles, and perspectives of the people living in the colonies, including Native Americans, European settlers, and enslaved Africans. Through exploration, religious reflection, and cultural encounters, this literature lays the groundwork for the development of American literary traditions in the centuries to come. Through various genres, including poetry, essays, narratives, and historical accounts, authors explored themes of identity, conflict, survival, and the quest for freedom. Works from this period not only provide insight into the societal norms and values of the time but also reveal the evolving American identity shaped by cultural encounters and historical events. As we explore the literature from this period, we reveal the perspectives that helped shape American literature and the continuous conversation surrounding cultural heritage and identity. **Body** **Notable Authors and their Works** 1. **Capt. John Smith** ** ** founders of the Jamestown colony in Virginia ** ** an English soldier, explorer, and author known for his adventures and expeditions. ** ** a ship-eyed observer who exposed himself forcefully and clearly ** ** English colonies were killed and J. Smith was taken to chief Powhatan ** ** captured by Indian leader Powhatan and almost put to death ** ** saved by Pocahontas -- an Indian maiden and daughter of the powerful chief Powhatan 2. **Ann Bradstreet** ** ** first published American poet ** ** her work reflects her Puritan beliefs and personal experiences. her poetry often explores themes of faith, family, and the challenges of life in the New World. 3. **Edward Taylor** ** ** a Puritan poet and minister ** ** works: \"God\'s Determinations,\" known for their complex metaphors and deep religious themes. 4. **Marry Rowlandson** ** ** Her narrative: \"A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson,\" ** ** recounts her experience of being captured by Native Americans during King Philip\'s War, providing insight into colonial attitudes and the experience of captivity. 5. **Benjamin Franklin** ** ** a key figure in American literature and politics ** ** writing: \"Poor Richard\'s Almanack,\" ** ** blend humor, wisdom, and practical advice, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of the time. **Background of the story "Captured by Opechancanaough" by J. Smith** ** ** non-fiction ** ** story about real events, people, and places ** ** a historical event that took place during the early colonial period in America **Opechancanaough** ** ** pronunciation: O-pee-can-ca-no ** ** "he whose soul is white" ** ** a tribal chief within the Powhatan Confederacy ** ** who famously led assaults against English settlers in 1622 and 1644 ** ** younger brother (or possibly half-brother) of chief Powhatan ** ** captured J. Smith **Summary of "Captured by Opechancanaough" by J. Smith** \"Captured by Opechancanough\" is a narrative written by John Smith, an English explorer and one of the founders of the Jamestown colony in Virginia. In this account, Smith describes his experiences after being captured by the Powhatan Confederacy, specifically by Chief Opechancanough, who was a prominent leader of the Powhatan people. The narrative begins with Smith\'s capture during an expedition. He recounts the fear and uncertainty he felt as he was taken prisoner. Smith describes the customs and rituals of the Powhatan people, providing insight into their culture. He vividly depicts the moment of his capture, the tension between the English settlers and the Native Americans, and the subsequent events that unfolded.  A key moment in the narrative is the intervention of Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan. According to Smith, she pleaded for his life, which ultimately led to his release. This act of mercy is portrayed as a significant turning point in Smith\'s experience and highlights the complexities of the relationships between the settlers and the indigenous people. Pocahontas described as a gentle, intelligent, and beautiful impressed the English, and in 1644, she married John Rolfe, an English gentleman. The marriage initiated an eight-year peace between the colonists and the Indians, ensuring the survuval of the colony. Later on, when Pocahontas died, the English and the Powhatan returned to battle. The Powhatan failed and Opechancanaough was captured which led his people in struggle for survival, while trying to preserve their self-respect. The Powhatan chose death over enslavement.  In between 90 to 100 years, Opechancanaough was killed by a soldier, and was shot in the back. **Essence of "Captured by Opechancanaough" by J. Smith in the Early American and Colonial Period** ** Cultural Encounter** **-** he narrative illustrates the clash of cultures between the English settlers and the Powhatan Confederacy. Smith\'s account provides insight into the customs, beliefs, and social structures of the Native Americans, particularly through his interactions with Opechancanough, a prominent leader. ** Survival and Adaptation -** Smith\'s experiences highlight the themes of survival and adaptation. His capture by the Powhatan people and subsequent experiences reveal the challenges faced by settlers in a new and unfamiliar environment. The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding and negotiating with indigenous peoples for survival. ** Heroism and Adventure -** The story is imbued with elements of heroism and adventure, typical of Smith\'s writings. His portrayal of himself as a brave and resourceful leader reflects the romanticized view of exploration and conquest during the colonial period. ** Perspective and Bias -** Smith\'s account is also marked by a Eurocentric perspective, which can lead to biased interpretations of Native American actions and motivations. His narrative serves as both a personal memoir and a piece of propaganda aimed at promoting the settlement of Virginia. ** Historical Context -** the work is set against the backdrop of early colonial efforts in America, particularly the establishment of Jamestown. It provides historical context for the relationships between European settlers and Native Americans, illustrating the complexities of these interactions. **Conclusion** Early American and Colonial period literature is a diverse body of work that captures the complexities of life in the New World. It reflects the struggles, beliefs, and experiences of various groups, providing valuable insights into the formation of American identity and culture, like the \"Captured by Opechancanough\" which is a significant work within this period. Through exploration, religious reflection, and cultural encounters, this literature lays the groundwork for the development of American literary traditions in the centuries to come. The story portrays the interactions and tensions that happened between English settlers and Native Americans which were significant during that period. This also highlights the cultural differences and power struggles that shaped early American history. Smith\'s writing provide an understanding on how tough the start of Jamestown Colony is. He also shows how important Native Americans\' help the English settlers. **Questions ** 1. What lessons can modern readers learn from Smith\'s experiences and observations in the narrative? 2. How do the themes of power and control manifest in the interactions between Opechancanough and the protagonist? 3. What do you think the author is trying to convey about the complexities of cultural identity through the experiences of the protagonist in \"Captured by Opechancanough\" 4. How does the narrative challenge or reinforce stereotypes about Native Americans and European settlers? 5. What lessons about resilience and adaptability can be drawn from the protagonist\'s journey in the face of adversity? ***References:*** *Eap. (2014, October 13). Early American and Colonial Period \[Slide show\]. SlideShare. * *Luebering, J. (n.d.-b). Periods of American Literature. Encyclopedia Britannica. * *Rountree, H. C. (2024, August 26). Opechancanough (d. 1646) - Encyclopedia Virginia. Encyclopedia Virginia. *