Intro
One popular, and one of my favorite tropes in fantasy books (at least the ones I have read), is the Romeo And Juliet trope. Two main characters that belong to two separate groups who hate each other, but they fall in love. Or two characters who are supposed to be enemies. Can their love win and end the war between their two groups, or will it all end in ruin?
There are at least two movies I can think of who have this trope. But today, we are going to dive into the story of Pocahontas. A young Native American woman meeting a handsome young man who she does not only teach about nature, but soon falls in love with. Sadly their separate groups are not too found of each other...
Disclaimer: I am aware of the second movie where she doesn't stay with John Smith forever and ends up with John Rolfe. I am also aware that Pocahontas was a real person, and this movie is very romanticized. But in this article, I am choosing to analyze specifically the first movie of the Disney adaptation and the storytelling devices used within, rather than how it adapts the true story.
Introducing The Characters And 'Tribes'
We start of in 1607 with John Smith who is joining the Virginia Company that is traveling to a new world. Instantly he is portrayed as a famous adventurer. What he's done is not completely clear, but it is instantly know that people know about him.
In a short five minutes, his character is shown. He is adventurous, brave and loyal. During the storm when Thomas falls overboard, no one is going to save him, because they say he's lost. John however doesn't think twice, ties a robe to his waist and jumps after him to save him. This shows his bravery and loyalty to his friends. He risks his own life to save someone in a storm at sea.
To me, he also comes off as cocky and too confident in these first few minutes. He isn't there for fortune, he is there for adventure and wants to claim new land, even if people already live there.
"You just worry about that fortune of yours Thomas, leave the savages to me..."
I don't feel like he really has any ill intent for anyone, but this can be interpreted in different ways of course. Maybe he does actually want to kill people, or he just carries his gun with him, because he doesn't know what the people in the new world will be like.
The scene ends as they almost arrive at the new world. Thomas is excited, wondering what they will find, but John doesn't think it will be any different from the ones he's seen before.
"I've seen hundreds of new worlds, Thomas... What could possibly be different about this one?"
Classic famous last words... When a character says something along the lines of this or simply 'What's the worst that could happen if I do this' we already know this journey or action is going to change their lives completely.
Writer's note: There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying something like this. I mean, everyone knows their life is going to take a turn either way, otherwise there would not be much of a story. It is logical for a character to say something like this, because THEY don't know their life is going to change drastically. They think it's just another day, or just another adventure.
We very quickly move over to the second group of people in the story right after that line. Pocahontas' tribe are just returning from a war, which they have won. Everyone is happy, but the chief misses his daughter among the smiling faces.
"You know Pocahontas. She has her mother's spirit... She goes wherever the wind takes her."
Within a minute or two, we already know a lot about Pocahontas, without even seeing her for the first time. She is the daughter of the Chief, she is very spirited and goes her own way. Even if her father wants her to settle down and stay on the 'right path'.
Writer's Note: Sometimes you can say a lot in just a small paragraph. There isn't always a whole character description needed or a whole backstory. These things can be scattered throughout the book with conversation or described if they really need too. For example, when we meet the main character, we don't need a full description of them of how they look. The 'mirror description' is not really the right way to go. You could do something as simple as "I put my blonde hair into a ponytail as I was getting ready for work.", or "I ran my hand through my red, tangled curls." A full description WOULD work if they meet someone who looks a lot like them, or find a picture of a long lost relative or ancestor or something. Because then they would not be looking at themselves, but recognizing features of themselves in someone else.
The First Meeting And Impression
Though the first scene with them together is not really their first meeting, there is a first impression. John is taken in by the beauty of the new world and watches the view from above. Pocahontas watches, hiding in the bushes and also curious, because she has never seen anyone like him before. She is just as enchanted and curious as he is. When Meeko exposes himself and John interacts with him, he at least seems friendly. You can see her fear when Meeko first comes out of hiding, not wanting John to find her. She doesn't know what he is going to do. She doesn't know who he is. But I do think she finds him interacting with Meeko rather cute.
We instantly skip to Pocahontas' tribe where they have also just learned about the white people, and they are afraid of them, wondering who they are and what they want. And rightfully so. This is their land, and it is suddenly invaded by unknown people, who have weapons that shoot fire and kill someone in an instance. The white people are not in the right here as they just start digging and cutting down trees, looking for something that Pocahontas' people don't even have.
All Pocahontas' tribe did was investigate the new people. But the moment they were spotted, they started to shoot and attack. I feel like, if they had the chance, they would have just ran away instead of fight.
Writer's note: Some villains don't have much redeemable qualities. Sure, there might be some good traits, but they are used for bad, and overshadowed by their bad traits. But a villain doesn't always need a tragic backstory to become who he is. Some people are just bad and greedy or want power. So if you're struggling with giving your villain a 'good' backstory. Ask yourself if it's really needed. Maybe they overthrew the kingdom because they simply wanted to be king or queen.
Meanwhile, Pocahontas and John Smith meet for the first time face to face. Pocahontas is still specifically following him around. Why? Well that isn't very clear in the movie, but you might say it's because of the meeting with Meeko before.
The moment John realizes he is being followed, he hides, readying his gun to shoot at whoever is following him. Perhaps he has dealt with dangerous people who actually DID attack without hesitation... Perhaps it was just an act of caution. But the moment he sees Pocahontas, and he stops completely, putting down his gun to show her he isn't going to hurt her. Is it because she is a beautiful woman? Is it because she clearly doesn't have any weapons on her and doesn't pose a threat? It's debatable, but I honestly like to think the second option. She doesn't fight him. She doesn't pose a threat or call for others. She just stands there, but (rightfully) runs away when John gets too close to her.
John goes after her, trying to convince her that he isn't going to hurt her. To be honest, he might be charming, but chasing after someone who is clearly afraid of you, might not be the best way to show that you don't want to hurt them. Pocahontas doesn't understand him until she remembers what her grandmother willow said, and she listens with her heart.
Writer's note: It's of course a movie with limited screen time, but to be honest, the fact that she can suddenly understand what he is saying and realize he is asking for her name just because she is 'listening with her heart', is a little bit cheap in a book in my opinion. The wind seems to be telling her things, but still. If two characters from two completely different worlds meet for the first time, neither one of them SHOULD be able to understand each other. It would be more interesting to have them teach each other their language and learn to talk through that.
Learning And Falling In Love
They spend a bit of time together and learn from each other as they interact. To be honest, in the beginning John is not much better than the rest of the crew. He isn't actively trying to kill Pocahontas' people, but he is still calling them Savages and uncivilized. He's convinced he'll do the right thing by turning Pocahontas' land in a 'proper' village, with roads and and carriages and 'proper' houses. It's what he is used too. The moment Pocahontas gets upset, he struggles to explain what he means by 'Savages'. Saying it is just a word, and nothing bad. But Pocahontas calls him out on what he really means.
"What you mean is... Not like you..."
Pocahontas shows him her own world, and shows him how he is just as ignorant as he thinks she is. John seems to enjoy their journey throughout the song, seeing the nature around him for what it is, instead of just simply a place to build more cities and civilization. He does see the beauty of nature. When Pocahontas asks him if he will go back home when the rest of the crew finds out there is no gold, he doesn't instantly say yes. He just says that he doesn't belong anywhere, so he doesn't really have a home.
Though it's very quick, I do think you can see the chemistry between them. It is also not simply falling in love, but being curious about each other's ways and worlds. Pocahontas wants to see London and see what his kind of village is like. She just doesn't want him to destroy her home and make it like that. Meanwhile John is curious about her place and slowly learns. Both of them are aware their groups don't like each other. Pocahontas has seen how one of her own died because of a shot in the knee. But still they don't care, knowing that maybe not everyone is the same.
Writer's note: It's debatable weather this falls under the 'I can fix him' trope. You could argue it does, but I don't think it does. Pocahontas doesn't try to actively change him. She just shows him the world around him and maybe TRIES to make him understand. But would John be similar to Ratcliffe or the others, she probably wouldn't waste her time on him.
Trouble Because Of Misunderstanding
While Pocahontas and John are getting to know each other and falling in love, the others are preparing for war and invasion. Ratcliffe is convinced Pocahontas' people are hiding the gold and is determined to invade their village. After the man from Pocahontas' tribe was killed, they are getting ready for war, because it is clear the white men are dangerous.
The Pocahontas' honestly have done no harm here. They've only started fighting out of self defense when the other side started shooting. Calling out for other warriors who can help them defend themselves is honestly a pretty rational thing to do. They are protecting THEIR land. And Pocahontas' father even tells her that IF one of the white men wants to talk in stead of fight, he would listen to what they had to say. He doesn't tell her that he won't listen to reason or that the War is going to happen. He just thinks that it is inevitable and is preparing.
John even tries to talk to his men and tell them to stop what they are doing. The moment Ratcliffe tells him of the plan to kill everyone he stands against him with no hesitation, telling him he can't do that and it's their land. Sadly his group doesn't seem to want to listen. When Pocahontas tells him he has to talk to her father, he is skeptical, thinking that talking won't work. But as Grandmother Willow shows them with ripples in the water... Something starts small, and gets bigger, but someone needs to start them.
"Only when they stop fighting, you two can be together..."
Writer's note: The quote above makes sense, and is usually true, but it doesn't HAVE to be true... I mean, of course they have their family and people, but what if the characters just decide to run away together? Interesting twist, don't you think? Perhaps the two sides will team up to find their missing parts and learn not to fight that way. Sometimes it is fun to make an interesting twist instead of going for the obvious ending. Sometimes it could be possible for Romeo and Juliet to make a selfish decision...
Just when you think there is a way out of the chaos and a way to avoid the fight, things take a turn... While Pocahontas is out talking with John, Nakuma decides to warn Kocoum of what is happening, worried about her best friend's safety. And Kocoum doesn't hesitate to check it out. Seeing them hug and then kiss triggers him to attack. Meanwhile Thomas has followed John and hasn't shot Pocahontas yet... But when John is attacked he does shoot, and hits for the first time.
For this time, I don't think Thomas was 100% in the wrong... Ratcliffe told him to shoot ANY Indian he'd come across. He's been watching the whole scene just like Kocoum had been, and hasn't made a move to shoot or even reveal himself. But the moment Kocoum decides to attack and seems to actively wanting to kill his friend, he acted, trying to protect him. I feel like he instantly regretted the moment he realized he actually killed him.
Sadly, this caused the rest of Pocahontas' tribe to come. John quickly sends Thomas away and stays behind when the tribe comes. Obviously, they are convinced it was him that killed Kocoum.
The whole thing escalated because of a misunderstanding, and war really is inevitable now. But who is really to blame for this? You could argue Nakuma shouldn't have ratted Pocahontas out, but she was rightfully worried. All she heard about the white men was that they were dangerous and would kill everyone, and then she watches her best friend run off with one of them... Yeah, I'd be worried too. Kocoum might have acted out of jealousy, watching them hug and kiss, but I don't know what really went through his head at that moment. It was probably jealousy, but perhaps he thought that John was just deceiving her and wanted to put an end to it. Honestly, everything was a big understanding, and I don't think anyone was really to blame for the chain of events in the end.
Writer's Note: Misunderstandings are a way to add conflict to a story. But I'd recommend to not ALWAYS use it as a way to cause conflict. Once or twice is fine, but when a conflict only keeps happening because of a misunderstanding, the reader could feel cheated as well.
The Final Confrontation
Thomas goes to get help from the others, wanting to save John from the Indians. In my eyes, the only thing he wants is to get John out of there before they kill him, but Ratcliffe takes the opportunity to rally everyone up and get them prepared for War. Thomas is well aware that what happened is partly because of him. That conflicted look on his face throughout the whole war song says it all. He blames himself, and thinks he is also the cause of the war that is happening.
Meanwhile Pocahontas is conflicted and doesn't know what to do anymore. She thinks it is all her fault too, and thinks there is no way to stop the war or to save him. But of course, we've heard about her dream of the spinning arrow at the beginning of the movie. It would be a waste to just let that whole dream go by, wouldn't it? And so, the compass starts spinning and points her to the right path, stopping her father from killing John just in the nick of time.
As she talks to her father, he is not the only one she managed to get through to. Everyone has raised their weapons ready to fight, but after her speech, you can see everyone hesitating and slowly lowering their weapons. What's more, the white men are the first to hesitate and slowly lower their guns.
Pocahontas' father finally sees what Pocahontas is saying, realizing that everyone is lead by anger. He frees John and speaks out to everyone. He tells them that if there is more killing, it won't start with him. This shows that he is well aware there is still a chance for war... But only if the white men decide to go through with it. Weather he actually realizes that Pocahontas fell in love with him I don't know. He's never seen them together after all. However throwing yourself in front of someone who's about to get killed and insisting on them killing you too, is probably not something you'd do for anyone. I have a feeling that he would have been okay with their relationship if John would have stayed forever.
The only one who is not convinced is Ratcliffe, who tells his men to shoot, and when they refuse, he does it himself, aiming at the Chief, but shooting John in the process. Though he wasn't planning on killing John, the moment it happens, the whole crew turns against him and restrains him. Though he'd shot one of their own, I think they would have done the same if he had hit the Chief. He is chained and shipped back to London with the rest of them.
Writer's note: To be honest, for a greedy, selfish villain like this, his ending is not that satisfying. I wouldn't have wanted Pocahontas' tribe to kill him, or the others to shoot him, but simply being shipped off back home... Even in the second movie he doesn't die and is just imprisoned for everything he's done. It works, but I would have loved a more satisfying end for him.
A Bittersweet Ending
Not all stories end in a happily ever after and a marriage... After John was shot, he had to go back home or he wouldn't survive. Pocahontas had the choice to go with him, but she choose to stay with her tribe instead. Though I would have loved for them to have a better ending and stay together forever, this was a good thing. She was needed in her village as a future Chief. And he would have died if he'd stayed with her, even if he wanted too. But the two tribes are no longer at war. The Indians are safe, welcoming the white men back if they want too. Of course, as long as they don't try to kill them again.
Though, just because he had to go back now, doesn't mean he can never return at all. That is for the viewers and readers to interpret.
What does make it sadder to me, is that if Ratcliffe would not have been there, they in fact could have had their happy ending. John literally said he didn't belong anywhere, and Pocahontas' response was: "You could belong here...". I feel he would have stayed if he hadn't been shot
Writer's note: Though Ratcliffe was not actively against John or trying to kill him, this is kind of an example for a victory for the villain. Yes, he is shipped back to London and probably humiliated and will have a lot of problems. But his actions DID separate Pocahontas and John from each other. Sometimes a villain has a small victory before they meet their doom, weather it was intended or not.
Conclusion
Though Pocahontas is not on my list of most favorite movies, it has grown on me a lot. I like both Pocahontas' and John Smith's character, and of course there are the animals for comical relief who are adorable and funny.
What did you think of this movie and this blog post? Any points you think I've missed? Let me know what you think.
If you have any requests or ideas for future topics by the way feel free to ask. Can't promise they will be done instantly, but I will put them on my list and see what I can do.
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