Pocahontas

"Pocahontas" by James Baldwin is a poignant exploration of identity, culture, and the consequences of colonialism. Through the lens of the historical figure Pocahontas, Baldwin addresses the complexities of race, power dynamics, and the clash between Native American heritage and European colonization. The narrative blends fiction and historical reflection, inviting readers to confront the intertwined legacies of love and loss, as well as the enduring impact of cultural misunderstanding. Baldwin’s lyrical prose and deep emotional insight illuminate the struggles of marginalized voices in a world shaped by oppression and seeking understanding.

• Short story

								
There was once a very brave man whose name was John Smith. He came to
this country many years ago, when there were great woods everywhere,
and many wild beasts and Indians. Many tales are told of his
ad-ven-tures, some of them true and some of them untrue. The most
famous of all these is the fol-low-ing:--

One day when Smith was in the woods, some Indians came upon him, and
made him their pris-on-er. They led him to their king, and in a short
time they made ready to put him to death.

A large stone was brought in, and Smith was made to lie down with his
head on it. Then two tall Indians with big clubs in their hands came
forward. The king and all his great men stood around to see. The
Indians raised their clubs. In another moment they would fall on
Smith's head.

But just then a little Indian girl rushed in. She was the daugh-ter of
the king, and her name was Po-ca-hon´tas. She ran and threw herself
between Smith and the up-lift-ed clubs. She clasped Smith's head with
her arms. She laid her own head upon his.

"O father!" she cried, "spare this man's life. I am sure he has done
you no harm, and we ought to be his friends."

The men with the clubs could not strike, for they did not want to hurt
the child. The king at first did not know what to do. Then he spoke to
some of his war-riors, and they lifted Smith from the ground. They
untied the cords from his wrists and feet, and set him free.

The next day the king sent Smith home; and several Indians went with
him to protect him from harm.

After that, as long as she lived, Po-ca-hon-tas was the friend of the
white men, and she did a great many things to help them.
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