Colonization
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Revision as of 18:32, 15 June 2020
Contents |
Group 5 – Colonization
Map out the key moments of colonization in the novel, including clarifying the different kinds of colonialism on display. Highlight, in particular, the moments when colonialism prevents successful experiences of contact.
Volume 1
Chapters 1-4
The first introduction we receive of the Indigenous peoples in the eyes of the British is their inability to cooperate and the difficulty the British had controlling the Indigenous peoples. The powerful roles which the British assumed grew along with the “distrust and jealousy” in their relationship with the natives.
The repeated diction of the word “savages” first appears in Chapter 3 of Wacousta when referring to the Indigenous peoples. This creates a particular image of them as the tone implied from the word “savages” suggests an underdeveloped, primal nature of the group. This connotation of the Indigenous as savages is exemplified in their spat with the British as their “cry denoted even something more than ordinary defiance of an Indian” (42). The type of scream that comes from the Indigenous peoples suggests they are something more than human, something more beastly that cannot be tamed but rather acts in more chaos than an Indian.
Chapter 5
Further, the battle between the Indigenous and the British in an attempt for the latter to save their fort is met with the cunning “demons” of the Indigenous peoples as they learn from the British and learn their tricks. The “Indians took courage at this circumstance, for they deemed the bullets of their enemies were expended” (63). This suggests that the Indigenous peoples have learnt from the British, but not in the way that the British had intended. They learned the sly nature of the British army which allowed them to understand and deceive the British themselves. This suggests that they have more than just primitive capabilities but that they also have complex minds. In this instance, the British struggle with their attempt at colonization and developing their land.
Chapters 6-7 / Summary
The imagery carried throughout Volume 1 of the primitive nature that the Indigenous peoples have, acts to reinforce the British in their mission to colonize with their developed lifestyle. The soldiers from the British settlement are seen as heroic for civilizing and saving the Indigneous peoples. Their constant fight adds to their validity as a person in a perceived humanitarian cause, such as “Sir Everard [who] would have fought twenty battles in the course of a month and yet not complained of the fatigue or severity of his service… We need scarcely state, Sir Everard’s theories on this important subject were seldom reduced to practice; for even long before the Indians had broken out into the open acts of hostility, when such precautions were rendered” (95-96). Sir Everard is willing to put his life on the line for what his country believes to be an important cause. While Sir Everard saw the effects first hand of the work he was doing, it is suggested that the people back in England could not fathom why someone would leave to engage with troublesome peoples. Sir Everard’s direct response to this lack of understanding by the British peoples is to “have an opportunity of bearing away the spoils of some chief, that, on his return to England, he might afford his lady mother an opportunity of judging with her own eyes of the sort of enemy he had relinquished the comforts of home to contend against” (96).
Volume 2
Chapter 1
This volume of the novel begins with outlining that “there was, however, no array of armed men within the walls, that denoted an expedition of a hostile character” (159). Contact is presented within an area of seemingly neutral territory. Differences between the European and Canadian culture then interrupt the point of contact when “in the midst of an anxious group of officers, comprising nearly all of that rank within the fort, stood two individuals, attired in a costume having nothing in common with the gay and martial habiliments of the former.” (159). “Each moreover wore a false queue of about nine inches in length, the effect which was completely to change the character of the countenance to the features a Canadian -like expression.” (160). This shows that this was a point in time when colonial logic was used to replicate Canada’s indigenous culture. This colonial logic was considered superior and “it was evident that some powerful and absorbing dread existed in the mind of each, inducing him rather to indulge in communion with his own thoughts and impressions, that to communicate them to others.” (161). The governor begins swaying the “gentlemen” by saying “I have spoken harshly to you, but at the moment like the present you will no longer cherish a recollection of the unpleasant past.” (162). This chapter portrays the Gothic mentality of viewing women as less then men by saying “’It is noting but a womans’, calmly returned the Canadian;” (165). The colonial attitude is prominent as well throughout the novel, particularly when it’s stated “’by Heaven, we are betrayed, - here he is’, quickly rejoined the other, in the same low tone.” (166). Automatically, the European agents who were posing as Canadian duck hunters fear they have been betrayed.
Chapter 2
The colonial mindset continues on into chapter 2 as “the positions of the young man was one of embarrassment; for while the daughter, who was busied in executing the command of her father, remained in the room, it was impossible they could converse together without being betraying the secret of their country, and as a result of this, the falsehood of character under which they appeared.” (170). This is a point in contact when a colonial mindset was portrayed. The soldiers had a garrison mentality. Later, through imperial eyes, the readers see the fear and anxiety that enabled the Canadians in disguise to think of the other as a possible traitor. “Could this be a refinement of his treachery? And was he really ignorant of the danger which threatened them?” “Tell me then as you hope for mercy, have you taken that oath only that ya might be more secrecy betray us to our enemies?” (176). The Gothic mentality is portrayed again in “you must forgive our suspicions at a moment like the present; yet Francois, your daughter saw and exchanged signals with the person we mean. She left the room soon after he made his appearance. What has become of her?” (177). This shows the notion leading to the imagination and thoughts of a ghostly or spiritual likeness.
Chapter 3
The colonial attitude in this chapter shows that “it was evident the views of these latter were not immediately hostile; for neither were they in their war paint, nor were their arms of description to carry intimidation to a disciplined and fortified soldiery.” (183). The author then speaks about weaponry: “bows, arrows, tomahawks, war clubs, spears, and scalping knives, constituted their warlike equipments, but neither rifle nor fire-arms of any kind were discernible” (183). Their trading is a key point when contact became effectual and colonialism was not successful because their weapons were used against them in upcoming battle between the Indigenous and the British at Fort Detroit and Michilimackinac.[1] “A flag of truce in all its bearings, by Jupiter!” is a remark by Captain Erskine which also displays a colonial attitude. The British peoples’ arrogance is palpable when saying “’Ponteac seems to have aquired a few lessons since we first met.’ ‘This is evidently the suggestion of some European.’ Observed Mayor Blackwater; ‘for how should he understand any thing of the nature of a white flag? Some of those vile spies have put him up to this.’” (185). The British often believe the Indigenous people have adapted their colonial ways because they are superior to the ways of the Indigenous culture. “’The Ottawa and the other chiefs are kings of all their tribes. The head of one great people should be received only by the head of another great people!’” (192-193). This shows that the greeting traditions and hierarchy are different between the two groups.
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Volume 3
- ↑ This highlights a time in the novel that colonialism prevents a successful experience of contact.
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