Theme Analysis for The General History of Virginia
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The General History of Virginia by John Smith
Lesson Plans by Kristy Littlehale
Captain John Smith was many things: an adventurer, a decorated soldier, an explorer, a conqueror, a poet, a mapmaker, and an author. The General History of Virginia (originally The Generall Historie of Virginiais) detailed history of the planters’ years in Jamestown from 1607-1609.
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Storyboard Description
The General History of Virginia themes - John Smith comic
Storyboard Text
- EXAMPLE
- THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-RELIANCE
- THE EXCITEMENT OF EXPLORATION
- THE NECESSITY OF HARD WORK
- Those who do not work will not eat!
- MAN VS. NATURE
- The settlers embarked on a journey to a world where there was no contact with home. It was essential that they be able to build their own settlement, draw on resources from the land, make friends with the Native Americans, and begin a long-term investment in this new future.
- The trip is a combination of virtù, prosperity, and piety. Virtù is an expectancy of the achievement of great things. Going to Jamestown was stepping into an unknown world. It was full of mystery, excitement, and danger. The exploration of this new place could yield great riches. It was an opportunity to bring Christianity to new peoples and places.
- Smith did not have a lot of patience for those who could not pull their own weight. He ensured that the settlers had plenty of incentive to work hard by telling them that those who did not work would not eat. The leaders of the settlement knew that in the harsh conditions, everyone would have to work hard so that they all could survive.
- The elements wore on the settlers, like the bitter cold of the first winter. They were plagued by illness and disease, and unable to work or contribute. This was made worse by periodic attacks by the Native Americans. Smith highlights and celebrates he human will to survive in such circumstances.
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