Sunday, July 25, 2010

Mayflower Questions: 9

9. In the chaotic, atrocity-filled conflict known as King Philip's War, does anyone emerge as heroic? If so, what are the actions and qualities that identify him or her as a hero?

As far as these characters go, the only one to whom I could honestly assign the title of "hero" would be Benjamin Church. I'll forgive him for participating in the attack on the Narragansett's fort, (maybe the Englishmen really did believe that the Narragansetts would eventually attack) and move on. Church recognized that some Indians truly would side with the English, and desired long before his companions that those "friendly Indians" be brought into the English army. He wasn't, like many Englishmen, blinded by racial prejudice, but comprehended the different interests of the different tribes. Church also knew that English battle tactics wouldn't win a war on Indian territory, and used the Indians who eventually fought with him to learn their style of war. With the help of sympathetic Indians, it was one of Church's company that soon killed King Philip. Church was a hero because of his ability to adapt to his environment and to inspire his troops.

1 comment:

  1. I like your clear explanation of particular traits that made Church heroic.

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