Question

"Why will you take by force what you may obtain by love? Why will you destroy us who supply you with food? What can you get by war? . . . We are unarmed, and willing to give you what you ask, if you come in a friendly manner. . . .
I am not so simple as not to know it is better to eat good meat, sleep comfortably, live quietly with my women and children, laugh and be merry with the English, and being their friend, trade for their copper and hatchets, than to run away from them. . . .
Take away your guns and swords, the cause of all our jealousy,or you may die in the same manner."
- Powhatan, father of Pocahontas

What does this quote from Powhatan, father of Pocahontas, reveal about his attitude towards the settlers of Jamestown?

A) He thinks they should try and live in peace because he desires goods to trade.

B) He thinks they should leave Jamestown or be prepared to be attacked by the
Native Americans.

C) He thinks that the settlers are going to attack first because they fear the Native Americans are armed.

D) He thinks that the settlers will never be able to live in peace with the Native Americans because they are jealous.

Answer 1

Answer:  A) He thinks they should try and live in peace because he desires goods to trade.

Explanation:  Powhatan tried to promote a friendly relation between the settlers due to his desire for goods such as weapons. He even allowed his daughter to marry a settler of Jamestown named John Rolfe.

Answer 2

Answer:

A) He thinks they should try and live in peace because he desires goods to trade.

Explanation:

Powhatan makes the argument that he will work well with the English, without the use of coercion or force of any kind. He and his people are willing to trade and live at peace. He does not threaten. His strong advice is for the settlers to put down their weapons as well as negative attitudes, and work along side Powhatan and his people.

The answer cannot be "B" because he does not ask them to leave, but to lay down their weapons and negative attitude.

The answer cannot be "C" because he does not express that they will attack first. In fact, the gist of the quote alludes to the fact that they have already attacked and either attempted to take or succeeded in taking things by force the could have had just by asking.

The answer cannot be "D" because he is asking them to live in peace. He provides an eloquent assessment of what has happened and what could have happened instead. He paints a picture of how things can be in the future, if they will just live as Powhatan advises.