Pocahontas And The Powhatan Dilemma Sparknotes

Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma written by Camilla Townsend introduces the historical period of seventeenth century Native Americans and the journey of their survival. Townsend is known for her multiple books mostly focusing on the lives of indigenous people and their stories. This book, however, goes through the specific life of Pocahontas herself. The author uses not only tragedy but also romance when recapping Pocahontas’ life throughout the years. The book successfully teaches and emphasizes the struggles Pocahontas and her people went through and educates the audience of the real history behind this time period. The book goes through three stages of Pocahontas’ life starting with her as a young child. It follows along her time as a Jamestown visitor and ends with her life an

The author goes on to debate what Pocahontas actually felt in her relationship with John Smith and how she most likely did not reciprocate the feelings he claimed she had. This may be new information to the reader and provides historical difference of the real Pocahontas from the Hollywood version while strengthening Townsend’s argument. Also, the author does not use challenging language in her own writing. She keeps her own wording basic as to give the readers a break from the difficultness of the old language. Another positive aspect of this book is the notes section and the preface. The extra note section allows further understanding of the writing and gives readers a chance to comprehend something they want to look deeper into. The numbers by the notes and sentences throughout the book allow easy access to link the two together. The preface gives the reader an idea of what they are about to learn and helps capture their interest. The preamble is also where the author first states her feelings and admiration toward Pocahontas. Overall, there are more strengths to this book then