Question

What is Samuel’s point of view about Richard in "Blood in the River"?

Answer 1

My overall impression of the book Blood on the River is that it’s a very good book. The reason I like it is because, it’s really suspenseful and it gets me really excited to keep reading. I think Elisa Carbone did a very good job of going to lots of places just to get facts so she could write an awesome book like that.

The character I can connect the most with is probably Samuel because he goes through a lot of hardships, either it being food, survival or Indian attacks. He also has to befriend someone he doesn’t trust yet.

The character that me most about life and death in the beginning and the end, was probably Captain John Smith because when he made Samuel stand on one foot, and told him that the whole colony has to be able to stand on two feet to survive.

I think the theme of the story that Elisa Carbone is trying to incorporate is bravery. I know this because on pages 78-80 it shows how Samuel knew just what to do about the situation they were in. With a lot of arrows flying around the fort, he got both the boys to go under the tent. James tried to get out but Samuel was pulling him, James started to get away but then Samuel lunged at him and grabbed him harder but James bit him and got away.

Another theme I thought was survival when he was at the Native American village how he learned how to make things using all-natural supplies. I think this because, when he was in the village he learned how to hunt and survive. The supplies he learned to make was “arrows, a bow, and a knife, then Kainta taught him how to shoot straight strait at target practice.

Answer 2

Samuel Collier, a rough and tough young orphan, becomes the page of Captain John Smith as they head for the New World. Brought up in poor conditions and street-smart, Samuel has to learn to control his anger and to use his head instead of his fists. During the journey on the ship the Susan Constant, Samuel begins his lessons in determining right from wrong. Through interactions with other boys his age, as well as key figures such as Captain John Smith, Reverend Hunt, and Master Wingfield, Samuel encounters conflict and discovers ways to avoid it. His first contacts with the native peoples in the Caribbean and in the New World further teach Samuel about different perspectives and about the value of culture. Survival in the new colony tests Samuel as he evaluates these life lessons and learns to make choices using his heart instead of his fists.