The Plot, Volume 2
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Contents |
Group 8 – The Plot, Volume 2
Map out the plot of each chapter in Volume 2 by highlighting the key events that transpire, the key themes that appear, and the significant changes in circumstances. Provide an overview of the importance of this volume to the work as a whole.
Overview for Volume Two
Chapter 1
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 2
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 3
Key Events
Back at the fort, “the garrison were once more summoned to arms (...) A body of Indians they had traced and lost at intervals (...) were at length developing themselves in force near the bombproof. With a readiness which long experience and watchfulness had rendered in some degree habitual to the English soldiers, the troops flew to their respective posts” (183). The Indians come without war paint “nor were their arms of a description to carry intimidation to a disciplined and fortified soldiery” (183). Several of the English leaders were collected within the elevated bomb-proof, holding a short but important conference apart from their men. The men converse about a previous encounter with Ponteac, the Ottawa chief. An artilleryman shouts from his station that the Indians are preparing to show a white flag, “a truce in all its bearings” (185). Captain Erskine remarks on how Ponteac has acquired lessons since their previous encounter. The garrison is suspicious of this action, unsure as to how the Indians recognized this symbolization of peace, it seems to be of European nature, a civilized method. Captain Wentworth finds relief in their counter-plot to oppose a sudden attack. The large French flag was drawn.
The governor greets the Indians and engages in conversation with Ponteac. The Indians come in search for peace and to bury the war hatchet that has been stricken. The garrison questions the true intentions of peace, while Ponteac expresses the shame in the blood drawn over their feud. The governor accepts this proposal, however, peace can only be made in the council room, and “the great chief has a wampum belt on his shoulder and a calumet in his hand. His warriors, too, at his side” (189). The chief worries of the mediated treachery upon entry to the fort.
They prepare to enter the fort, throwing themselves into the hands of the Saganaw. The governor expresses that within the walls of peace, the Saganaw is ever open to them, but when the Indian warriors press it with the tomahawk in their hands, the big thunder is roused to anger. Captain Blessington is ordered to take vigilant caution, although no harm should be brought against the fort with their chief in their possession. “The noble-looking Ponteac trod the yielding planks that might in the next moment cut him off from his people forever. The other chiefs, following the example of their leader, evinced the same easy fearlessness of demeanour, nor glanced once behind them to see if there was anything to justify the apprehension of hidden danger” (192). As they advanced into the square, they looked around, expecting to behold the full array of their enemies; but, to their astonishment, not a soldier was to be seen. The chief meets the gaze of the governor.
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 4
Key Events
The Indians entered the council room and “took their seats upon the matting in the order prescribed by their rank among the tribes” (195), and proceeded to fill the pipe of peace. The governor and the Ottawa chief engage in conversation of the deceit and trickery used by both the Ottawa tribes and the Sanagaw upon the peacemaking ceremony. Both parties are rehashing history that formed this distrustful relationship that currently stands. They have diverging perceptions of past encounters, including the initiation of violence, betrayal, and fractured friendships.
The governor tauntingly questions the absence of the great pale warrior, who we know to be Wacosuta, to cause an upset among the Indians. The Ottawa chief accounts for his absence, as his voice can not speak, and he begins to accuse the Saganaw of sending spies to invade Indian territory. He shares the story of finding Onondato whose throat the spies of the Saganaw had cut, found upon near death on the bridge consequent to hearing a war call. Frequent glances, “expressive of their deep interest in the announcement of this word, passed between the governor and his officers” (201), as they made the connection to their two dispatched soldiers. The Ottawa chief remarks that the warrior of the pale face, and the friend of the Ottawa chief, is sick, but not dead. “He lies without motion in his tent, and his voice cannot speak to his friend to tell him who were his enemies, that he may bring their scalps to hang up within his wigwam. But the pale warrior will soon be well, and his arm will be stronger than ever to spill the blood of the Saganaw as he has done before” (202).
The governor questions the intentions of this ceremony, as it is one of peace, but such violence and revenge are alluded to in future contact. The Ottawa chief responded that Ottawa and the Saganaw have not yet smoked together. When they have, the hatchet will be buried forever. “Until then, they are still enemies” (202).
“The Ottawa passed the pipe of ceremony, with which he was provided, to the governor. The latter put it to his lips, and commenced smoking. The Indians keenly, and half furtively, watched the act; and looks of deep intelligence, that escaped not the notice of the equally anxious and observant officers, passed among them” (204). The governor observes the pipe, and all its “ornaments are red like blood: it is the pipe of war, and not the pipe of peace” (204). He demands the Ottawa must come again. The Ottawa agrees, and there was “nothing to indicate the slightest doubt of their sincerity” (205). The Ottawa chief expresses his embarrassment, and claims that upon their next gathering, they will come with no armor, clothing, or weapons, they will be accompanied by their women and children, to show the Sangaw full trust and entry without fear.
The governor requests the presence of the pale warrior, to join in the peacemaking ceremony, to which the chief responds with hesitation, for the pale warrior is extremely ill, but will the Great Spirits accelerate his recovery, the governor’s request will be granted.
Ponteac suggests they gather again in three days time, when the governor responds that this is too soon, for the Sanagaw needs time to collect their presents, and the pale warrior needs time to recover. They agree to make peace in six days time. “The whole body again moved off in the direction of their encampment” (207).
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 5
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 6
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 7
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 8
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 9
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 10
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 11
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
Chapter 12
Key Events
Analysis and Themes
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