Questions

1. Daniel Richter writes, “Every North American schoolchild knows—or thinks she knows—the story of Pocahontas” (par. 2). How closely does the brief account he provides match what you know (or thought you knew) about Pocahontas? Where does it diverge? What is your response to his claim that that story is “either incorrect or misleading” (par. 3)?

   Question

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   Questions: - Daniel Richter writes, “Every North American schoolchild knows—or thinks she knows—the story of Pocahontas” (par. 2). How closely does the brief account he provides match what you know (or thought you knew) about Pocahontas? Where does it diverge? What is your response to his claim that that story is “either incorrect or misleading” (par. 3)?
2. Richter says that as a historian it is difficult to provide an accurate account of the story of Pocahontas “in part because of the contradictory accounts Smith himself wrote” (par. 5). What does this suggest about history itself and also about this particular story?

   Question

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   Questions: - Richter says that as a historian it is difficult to provide an accurate account of the story of Pocahontas “in part because of the contradictory accounts Smith himself wrote” (par. 5). What does this suggest about history itself and also about this particular story?
3. Richter makes two strong claims: in paragraph 5, he supplies “the most likely interpretation of what happened,” and in the next paragraph he states that “there was no romance between Smith and Pocahontas.” What is your response to these, perhaps surprising, claims?

   Question

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   Questions: - Richter makes two strong claims: in paragraph 5, he supplies “the most likely interpretation of what happened,” and in the next paragraph he states that “there was no romance between Smith and Pocahontas.” What is your response to these, perhaps surprising, claims?
4. How does Richter distinguish between westward- and eastward-facing perspectives regarding historical narrative? Which one provides greater insight into the story of Pocahontas? Explain.

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   Questions: - How does Richter distinguish between westward- and eastward-facing perspectives regarding historical narrative? Which one provides greater insight into the story of Pocahontas? Explain.
5. Richter begins paragraph 15 with “If Smith’s version of Pocahontas’ words is accurate, at least three powerful messages emerge.” Briefly recount the three messages and discuss how they influence your understanding of Pocahontas and Smith.

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   Questions: - Richter begins paragraph 15 with “If Smith’s version of Pocahontas’ words is accurate, at least three powerful messages emerge.” Briefly recount the three messages and discuss how they influence your understanding of Pocahontas and Smith.
6. In the final two paragraphs, Richter offers his interpretation of the meaning of Pocahontas, and concludes: “Perhaps that is the deepest tragedy of her story.” What is your response to Richter’s interpretation?

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   Questions: - In the final two paragraphs, Richter offers his interpretation of the meaning of Pocahontas, and concludes: “Perhaps that is the deepest tragedy of her story.” What is your response to Richter’s interpretation?
7. What is the overall rhetorical effect of Richter’s footnotes?

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   Questions: - What is the overall rhetorical effect of Richter’s footnotes?