Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Grew Up… surrounded by mother nature. The daughter of Powhatan, an Algonquian chief, Pocahontas grew up close to the land, and as a mature young woman, remains full of wonder and honor in its presence.
Living… amidst the beauty of trees, streams, and sky. Early 17th century Virginia has not yet been settled, and nearby Jamestown is still in its infancy. So far, he settlers that have arrived are mysterious and have unclear intentions. While Pocahontas’ father and tribe must decide how to deal with this potential threat, the young princess finds herself is curious about these new people.
Profession… princess of the Algonquians. Despite her status, Pocahontas has been raised for women’s work – foraging for food and firewood and searching for the plant materials used in building thatched houses. She likes to help and is a natural caretaker.
Relationship Status… single for now. When her tribe captures John Smith, an Englishman, Pocahontas can't help but be intrigued by the foreigner and his odd ways. And as the two start spending more time together, it doesn’t take long for her to fall in love.
Challenge… young love and existential crisis. On the one hand, Pocahontas wants to find where her eternal mother lives – to dwell in the all-loving spirit of nature, asking, "what else is life but being near you?” On the other, she loves John Smith and wants to be with him. Will Pocahontas find her peace and purpose in the arms of another or in life itself?
Personality… spirited, adventurous, and caring. Pocahontas might be young and inexperienced, but her youth also brings her kindness. As she says, "I find joy in all I see.”
Get to Know her in...
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History comes gloriously to life in Disney's epic animated tale about love and adventure in the New World. Pocahontas is a Native American woman whose father has arranged for her to marry her village's best warrior. But a vision tells her change is coming, and soon she comes face to face with it in the form of Captain John Smith.
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A drama about explorer John Smith and the clash between Native Americans and English settlers in the 17th century.
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“Full of big themes such as courage, greed, loyalty and obsession, The New World is still an adventure story first and foremost. . . . An entertaining homage that is deeply felt and sincere.” —The Guardian (UK)
Washed ashore after escaping Treasure Island, young Jim Hawkins and his companion Natty find themselves stranded on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Their ship, the Nightingale, has been destroyed, and besides one other crew member, they are the only survivors. Before they can even grasp the full scope of their predicament, they realize they are not alone on the beach. When a band of Native Americans approaches the shore in a threatening fury, they brutally kill Jim and Natty’s last shipmate, rob their dead crew, and take the two desperate survivors hostage.
Suddenly, Jim and Natty are thrust into an adventure that takes them all across the unruly American South. Starting with a desperate escape from a violent chief who obsessively keeps close on their trail, they join up with a troupe of entertainers who take them to a thriving and dangerous New Orleans, and seek the closest port so they can set sail for home once again.
In magnificent, free-wheeling prose and in a high-flying style, Andrew Motion has spun a fantastic yarn that will win the hearts of adventure lovers everywhere.
From the Hardcover edition.
