The Power of Objectivity: John Smiths Use of Third-Person Narration in The General History of Virginia

Abstract

John Smith, The General History of Virginia, New England and the Summer Isles John Smith refers to himself using the 3rd person throughout his General History see page 86-88 why does he do so? One can argue that John Smith’s narration remained generalized to a larger victim. What does this mean? While using the 3rd person, Smith wanted his narration to create an idea that the experiences and adventures he narrated about were witnessed not only by him but many other people. Smith sounds like an objective observer giving his targets an impression that his account of events objectively reflects what happened during the 17th century from the general history of Virginia, New England and the Summer Isles. The use of 3rd person is also a wise way for smith to make his statements unanimously accepted as universal truth. For example, “Notwithstanding, within an hour after, they tied him to a tree and as many as could stand about him prepared to shoot him, but the king holding up the compass in his hand, they all laid down their bows and arrows, and in a triumphant manner led him to Orapaks where he was after their manner kindly feasted and well used” Pg, 88. Following smith’s narration, it is open that he sees himself a hero of the colony a dominating force that becomes confirmed by the eventual success of Jamestown and establishment of its legacy as a first and great permanent English settlement in North America. However, the use of third person confirms such success as a collective responsibility of many that experience and witnessed the agony of achieving such achievements. The pride for achievements within Smith narration remains diluted by the use of 3rd person in a manner that makes the reader feels the...