Rhetorical Analysis Chief Powhatan

463 Words1 Page

“Give me knowledge, so I may have kindness for all” -Sitting Bull . In the speech by Chief Powhatan to John Smith he expresses how he wants peace between the English and the Powhatan people. Chief Powhatan wants to resolve the argument peacefully. He attempts to persuade Captain John Smith to have a peaceful relationship with both groups .His use of figurative language throughout the speech is highly important because this makes the speech so powerful and recognized through history. The Chief Powhatan starts off his speech with “I am now grown old and must soon die”. This powerful statement sets the mood and touches feelings by reminding him that he is human and weak. This is important to convince him to not follow the aggressive alternative that would hurt him and the tribe. In addition, he insists that “ not with swords and guns as to invade an enemy” indicating he seeks a peaceful relationship between the two groups. This appeals to the emotions by attempting to show John another alternative to violence and rather peace. …show more content…

He states that Native Americans have love for colonists when he mentions “not be less than ours to you” implying that his experience with the colonists has been nothing more than a positive one and that he would like this relationship to continue peacefully. The Chief makes himself credible by exercising his authority when he explains “ In such circumstances my men must watch, and if a twig should break, all would cry out “Here comes Captain Smith””. This is evidence of how he is the authority and shows in first hand in the terror the natives

Open Document