John Smith

     Growing up on Disney movies gave me a warm, romantic idea of the type of guy that John Smith was, but reading about him in our anthology put that to rest.  However, I think John Smith would want us to keep warm, heroic feelings toward him.  In "Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles," he writes about himself in third person, "Captain Smith, who, by his own example, good words, and fair promises, set some to mow, others to bind thatch, some to build houses, others to thatch them, himself always bearing the greatest task for his own share so that in short time he provided most of them lodgings, neglecting any for himself."  Pretty sneaky how takes advantage of a third person narrative to throw in this description of his chivalry and humility.  Clearly he has a convincing case about his character, and he also uses these persuasive tactics in an attempt to get people to move to New England--marketing techniques, as we called them on Monday.  In "A Description of New England," he paints a pretty picture, as well as prodding at people's character in order to persuade them to move: "If he have but the taste of virtue, and magnanimity, what to such a mind can be more pleasant, than planting and building a foundation for his posterity, got from the rude earth, by God's blessing and his own industry, without prejudice to any?"  Instead of talking about the likely realities and harsh conditions of New England, how the new settlers would have to rough it for quite some time, he gives a convincing and patriotic message about building from the ground up, starting fresh, and creating your own life and prosperity through hard work.  And he throws God in the mix, telling them that they would have God's blessing on their endeavors.  Basically, if you didn't move to America, you were lazy, probably a coward, and most likely lacked trust in God.  Plus he gives them some insurance at the end, saying "And if I abuse you with my tongue, take my head for satisfaction.  If any dislike at the year's end, defraying their charge, by my consent they should freely return."  How can you say no to that?  Satisfaction guaranteed.  John Smith approved.