Treasure Trove Short Storie Workbook Answers Chief Seattle’s Speech
Chief Seattle’s Speech Questions and Answers Extract Based
Question 1.
Yonder sky that has wept tears of compassion upon my people for centuries untold, and which to us appears changeless and eternal, may change. Today is fair. Tomorrow it may be overcast with clouds. My words are like the stars that never change. Whatever Seattle says, the Great Chief at Washington can rely upon with as much certainly as he can upon the return of the sun or the seasons. The While Chief says that Big Chief at Washington sends us greetings of friendship and goodwill.
(a) Who was Chief Seattle ? What kind of influence did he have ?
Answer:
Chief Seattle who was an important figure in the early American History, was the Chief of Suquamish and Duwamish tribes. He had been fighting for the rights of his native people in the face of American colonisers. He had marvellous influence. He ruled his loyal subjects with kindness and paternal benignity.
(b) What kind of sight was there when Seattle delivered his speech?
Answer:
The bay swarmed with canoes and the shore was lined with a living mass of swaying, writhing, dusky humanity, until old Chiefs Seattle’s trumpet- toned voice rolled over the immense multitude, like the startling reveille of a bass drum, when silence became as instantaneous and perfect as that which follows a clap of thunder from a clean sky.
(c) Why was Seattle reluctant in accepting the offer ?
Answer:
As an old Chief who had seen natives killed, he reluctantly accepted the offer, since he believed, turning it down will only result in the total annihilation of his tribe.
(d) What kind of speech did Seattle deliver ? What did it show ?
Answer:
Seattle delivered a long and heart moving speech in response to Governor Stevens’ proposal of buying natives’ land. It shows him as a true patriot who wished to preserve the native Americans’ land rights. He demonstrated that he had reverence for the native Americans’ way of life.
(e) How do we come to know that his way of life was guided by humanitarian principles ?
Answer:
Seattles’ way of life was guided by humanitarian principles rather than destructive principles. He wished to promote human welfare and therefore did not promote war. He spoke of war painfully and thus hoped that Native Americans and the Whites would never turn hostile to each other.
(f) Why does the speaker say ‘tomorrow it may be overcast with clouds’ ?
Answer:
Chief Seattle, just after opening his speech commented this about the future of his people, the Red Indians the tribal Americans. He talks about the possible untimely destruction of the Red people. ‘Overcast with clouds’ refers to the uncertainty that looms large over the future existence of his tribe.
(g) Explain the following : ‘Yonder sky that has swept tears of compassion upon my people for centuries untold. ’
Answer:
Chief Seattle says that nature has sympathised with his people for many centuries, but now the circumstances may change with the advent of the white colonisers.
Question 2.
This is kind of him for we know he has little need of our friendship in return. His people are many. They are like the grass that covers vast prairies. My people are few. They resemble the scattering trees of a storm- swept plain. The great – and, I presume – good, White Chief sends us word that he wishes to buy our land but is willing to allow us enough to live comfortably. This indeed appears just, even generous, for the Red Man no longer has rights that he need respect, and the offer may be wise, also, as we are no longer in need of an extensive country.
(a) How much are Seattle’s words reliable as far as the Great Chief is concerned ?
Answer:
Seattle’s words are like the stars that never change. The Great Chief at Washington can rely upon his words with as much certainty as he can upon the return of the sun or the seasons.
(b) When and where did Chief Seattle deliver his speech ?
Answer:
Even the date and location of the speech has been disputed, but the most common version is that on March 11, 1854, Seattle gave a speech at a longe outdoor gathering in Seattle. His speech was given to his people, when American colonisers wanted to buy native land of his tribe and in return offered them amnesty and the right to live there.
(c) What kind of speech did Seattle deliver ?
Answer:
Seattle’s speech was both consolatory in nature, helping his people to understand what was going on, their weak position in the political climate and helping them to understand the transition they were now forced to make.
(d) Who are Great Chief and White Chief in Chief Seattle’s speech ?
Answer:
Actually, there is much confusion regarding the identity of the White Chief and Great Chief mentioned by him. Chief Seattle meant the Governor of Washington Territory Isaac Stevens as ‘White Chief and the President of America George Washington as the ‘Great Chief.
(e) How does Chief Seattle react to the greetings sent by the Big Chief at Washington ?
Answer:
The Great or Big Chief sends Chief Seattle and his people words of goodwill and friendship. He thinks that he (Great Chief) is in little need of their help and friendship as his people (the white) are strong and powerful as compared to the natives.
(f) How does Chief Seattle compare his people with that of white Chief?
Answer:
In his speech, Chief Seattle says that there was a time when his people were numerous, but now they are nothing more than a mournful memory. He compares the whites to the grass that covers the vast prairies whereas his people (native Americans) are few and they resemble the scattering trees of a storm-swept plain.
Question 3.
Youth is impulsive. When our young men grow angry at some real or imaginary wrong, and disfigure their faces with black paint, it denotes that their hearts are black, and that they are often cruel and relentless, and our old men and old women are unable to restrain them. Thus it has ever been. Thus it was when the white man began to push our forefathers ever westward. But let us hope that the hostilities between us may never return. We would have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Revenge by young men is considered gain, even at the cost of their own lives, but old men who stay at home in times of war, and mothers who have sons to lose, know better.
(a) What message does Great Chief send to Seattle and his people ?
Answer:
The Great Chief sends greetings of friendship and goodwill to Seattle and his people. He expresses his willingness to buy the native land of the Red Indian Americans and promises to extend his support to protect the native children and women from their ancient enemies, if Seattle accepts this offer.
(b) In the earlier lines, in what way has the word ‘wishes’ been used ? What does Seattle mean while using this word.
Answer:
Seattle says that the ‘Big Chief in Washington ‘wishes’ to buy the natives’ land but ‘wish’ is a word sarcastically used by Chief Seattle. Actually, Seattle says that the Whites are so powerful in terms of their army and navy that the Red Indians need to bow down.
(c) Why does Chief Seattle thank the white Chief ? How does Seattle describe that once his people were numerous ?
Answer:
Chief Seattle thanks the White Chief for acknowledging his greetings of friendship and goodwill. Seattle says that once the native Americans covered the land as the waves of a wind-ruffled sea cover its shell-paved floor.
(d) In the earlier lines, what does Seattle say about the offer given by the white Chief ?
Answer:
As the white Chief wishes to buy the land of the tribal people, Seattle says that the proposition seems to be kind, just and generous as the Red Indians have lost their rights.
(e) What happened when the white men began to push the natives Westward ? Should the native people take revenge on the white men ? If not, then, why ?
Answer:
When the White men began to push the native Americans westward, the young grew violent and without caring the after consequences, indulged in revengeful acts. The native people should not take revenge on the White men because the Whites are more in number as well as powerful.
(f) Why does Chief Seattle exclaim that ‘youth is impulsive’ ?
Answer:
Youth is impulsive because they grow angry at real or imaginary wrong and they often become cruel and relentless. In this case, it becomes difficult for the old men and women to prevent them from going to the path of violence and destruction.
(g) Who have to endure great loss ? When do the native young men disfigure their faces with black paint ?
Answer:
The old men, mother and wives of the youngmen’s family have to suffer from great loss at the cost of young men’s lives in the war. When the native young men grow more furious and violent and seem to be determined to take revenge, they disfigure their faces with black paint.
Question 4.
Our good father in Washington —for I presume he is now our father as well as yours, since King George has moved his boundaries further north —our great and good father, I say, sends us word that if we do as he desires he will protect us. His brave warriors will be to us a bristling wall of strength, and his wonderful ships of war will fill our harbors, so that our ancient enemies far to the northward — the Haidas and Tsimshians — will cease to frighten our women, children, and old men.
(a) In the earlier lines what kind of attitude does Seattle show towards aggressive and violent behaviour of the young men ? For what does he favour ?
Answer:
Seattle condemns violent and aggressive behaviour of the youth. He seems to be against the war and revengeful acts of the youth. He favours the friendly relationship of love and peace. He thinks that no gain can be achieved through war and revengeful acts.
(b) How do we come to know that Seattle is lover of peace not of war?
Answer:
Seattle wishes to promote human welfare and therefore he does not promote war. He speaks of war painfully and thus hopes that native Americans and the Whites would never turn hostile to each other. He believes that war only brings loss.
(c) Who has been referred to as our father in Washington ? In which condition will Good Father give protection to the native people ?
AnswerL
George Washington has been referred to as ‘our father’ in Wasgington. The Good Father in Washington makes the condition that he will protect the tribal people with his brave warriors and wonderful ships only if they become submissive to him or sell their land to the white settlers.
(d) Who are Haidas and Tsimshians ? How will they cease to frighten the natives ?
Answer:
Haidas and Tsimshians are two tribes who have been constantly at war with Suquamish tribe. Haidas are indigenous people of North America. Tsimshians are North American Indian of North-West Coast. These ancient enemies will cease to frighten and suppress the native Americans if the white Chiefs brave men will provide the tribal people strength and his ships will fill their harbours.
(e) What does ‘Bristling wall ofsrength’ refer ?
Answer:
‘Bristling wall of strength’ refers to the vigorous and energetic white people’s brave men who will provide them strength and will protect them from their ancient enemies.
(f) How does Chief Seattle prove that the white man’s God is not the God of the natives ?
Answer:
The God of the White man loves His people and hates Seattle’s people. He protects them lovingly and leads them as a father leads his infant son. But He has forsaken Seattle and his people.
Question 5.
Your God loves your people and hates mine! He folds his strong protecting arms lovingly about the paleface and leads him by the hand as a father leads an infant son. But, He has forsaken His Red children, if they really are His. Our God, the Great Spirit, seems also to have forsaken us. Your God makes your people wax stronger every day. Soon they will fill all the land. Our people are ebbing away like a rapidly receding tide that will never return. The white man’s God cannot love our people or He would protect them. They seem to be orphans who can look nowhere for help. How then can we be brothers? How can your God become our God and renew our prosperity and awaken in us dreams of returning greatness? If we have a common Heavenly Father He must he partial, for He came to His paleface children.
(a) What is the difference between the God of the Whites and tribal people ?
Answer:
Chief Seattle mentions that the God of the White man is not the same as their as the White men’s God only protects the whites and forsakes the Red Indians. He moreover says that the God of the White men is partial to the Red Indians.
(b) Who is regarded as the God of the natives ? What is the reason that the God of natives has forsaken them ?
Answer:
The Great spirit is regarded as the God of the natives. The God of the natives had His blessing with them when they were powerful, strong, abundant and flourishing, but now as they have grown weak and also reduced in their number, God has forsaken them.
(c) In what way did the God visit to the Whites and the natives ? Why do both the Gods not have concern with the natives ?
Answer:
The God of the whites visited them directly but the native’s God came to them as visions, dreams and as nature. Both the Gods donot have concern with them because one God has forsaken them and the other God is partial to the white. Both are avoiding the natives when they are in great trouble.
(d) Why do the Red Children regard themselves as orphans ?
Answer:
The Red children regard themselves as orphans because in the time of trouble their God, the Great spirit has left them in miserable state and has forgotten them. He (God) seems to have left them in the hands of fate. Now they have noone to help or show the way.
(e) Why does the Chief say ‘that if there was a common father for both races, he must be partial ’ ?
Answer:
The Chief says so because God came to the help of His pale face children and never came to the help of Red men. He (God) gave the Whites laws to be followed but none to His Red children. They have separate origin and separate destinies. He makes the Whites stronger every day but does nothing for the well-being of the natives.
(f) Explain the following: ‘ourpeople are ebbing away like a rapidly receding tide that will never return.’
Answer:
While delivering the speech, Seattle compares the present situation of his tribe to a rapidly receding tide, that is going back from the shore, losing its might and with no hope to return again. This symbolises the decay of the native people.
Question 6.
His red children whose teeming multitudes once filled this vast continent as stars fill the firmament. No; we are two distinct races with separate origins and separate destinies. There is little in common between us.
To us the ashes of our ancestors are sacred and their resting place is hal¬lowed ground. You wander far from the graves of your ancestors and seemingly without regret. Your religion was written upon tablets of stone by the iron finger of your God so that you could not forget. The Red Man could never comprehend or remember it. Our religion is the tradi¬tions of our ancestors — the dreams of our old men, given them in solemn hours of the night by the Great Spirit; and the visions of our sachems, and is written in the hearts of our people.
(a) According to Seattle, how does the God of the White men protect, love and care them ?
Answer:
The God of White men love them and hate the red men. He protects His White children like a caring father, guides them. He (God) provides them everything—laws to live abiding by, intelligence, strength and power.
(b) In his speech, how does Chief Seattle strike a note of reconciliation between the white people and the tribal people ?
Answer:
Chief Seattle has condemned the reckless deeds of the young men of his own race. He has been hard to hit at those who show their black hearts, cruel and relentless nature. He has talked against war and in support of reconciliation.
(c) How does the speech of the Chief Seattle show that the tribal people were oppressed.
Answer:
The Whites were unjustly exercising authority over the native Americans. The Whites were powerful and were large in number as compared to Red Indians, over whom they exercised control. They were equipped with modem and fatal weapons and were able to give great harm to the Natives. The extent of their domination can be seen when Chief Seattle sarcastically mentions that good White Chief was willing to allow them enough to live in comfort. The Whites acted like their masters and expected them (natives) to obey Whites to remain protected from their ancient enemy.
(d) What was importance of religion for the Whites ?
Answer:
The White colonisers believed in institutionalised Christianity. Religion for them meant strict adherence to rules. They were expected to follow ten commandments, which were different from native’s spiritualism.
(e) In what way are they two distinct races with separate origin ?
Answer:
They are two distinct races—the native Americans and the White Colonists. The natives’ origin is the American land that is being contested; the Whites here originally belonged to Europe who came and colonised these native Americans.
(f) What does Chief Seattle mean when he says ‘there is little common between us’ ?
Answer:
When Chief Seattle says ‘there is little common between us’, means the cultural difference between the Red Indians and the white Americans. That is why their union or a mutual understanding looks very unlikely.
Though the white Chief sends them message of friendship, Chief feels that this is not really possible.
(g) For what do the words ‘tablet of stone’ and ‘iron finger’ stand ?
Answer:
‘Tablet of stone’ stands for the words written on to stone tablets that later were brought down from Mount Sinai by Moses. The tablets were also known as the ten commandments. ‘Iron finger’ is a biblical phrase which means finger of God.
Question 7.
Your dead cease to love you and the land of their nativity as soon as they pass the portals of the tomb and wander away beyond the stars. They are soon forgotten and never return. Our dead never forget this beautiful world that gave them being. They still love its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains, sequestered vales and verdant lined lakes and bays, and ever yearn in tender fond affection over the lonely hearted living, and often return from the happy hunting ground to visit, guide, console, and comfort them.
(a) How do the destinies of the Whites and the natives differ from each other.
Answer:
As for destinies, the White people have received all the love and care of God. The tribal people have deprived of the love, guidance and protection of God and finally come to their meager existance.
(b) In the earlier lines, what does Seattle say about the religion, Christianity of the Whites ?
Answer:
Seattle says that the white people’s religion, i.e., Christianity is written upon the stones so that people never forget it. It is not felt by heart. He also complains that the white people wander far from the graves of their ancestors without any regret.
(c) How do the tribal people the ashes of their ancestors ?
Answer:
The ashes of the ancestors of the tribal people are sacred to them. Their resting place is hallowed ground to them and they regularly visit those graves to show their respect. Their religion has been the traditions of their ancestors. The Red Indians respect the dreams of their forefathers and old people and those are written in their hearts.
(d) Earlier, how does Seattle compare the number of his people with that of the whites ?
Answer:
Seattle says that there was a time when his people were large in number and now they are nothing more than a mournful memory. He compares the whites to the grass that covers the vast prairies, large in number. His people are few and they resemble the scattering trees of a storm- swept plain.
(e) What do the dead of the White men cease to love their land and their people ?
Answer:
The dead of the White men cease to love their land and their people because they never connect with their land and their people spiritually. Their relationship with their land and their people is not sacred or holy; it is materialistic. As soon as they die, the link to their earthly life breaks and devoid of spiritualism, they are incapable of an after life.
(f) What kind of attachment do the dead of the tribal people have with their land and its people ?
Answer:
The dead of the tribal people never forget their native land where they lived. They still love its verdant valleys, its murmuring, rivers, its magnificent mountains, sequestered valley, verdant lined lakes and bays and ever yearn to visit this place again. Moreover the spirits of the dead keep visiting to guide, console and comfort the living.
Question 8.
Tribe follows tribe, and nation follows nation, like the waves of the sea. It is the order of nature, and regret is useless. Your time of decay may be distant, but it will surely come, for even the White Man whose God walked and talked with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all. We will see.
(a) How can you conclude that the natives are more dependent on their ancestors than the White men ?
Answer:
Seattle says that the ashes of his ancestors are sacred and their resting place is hallowed ground. They love to stay in the land where their ancestors’ memories are alive. Whereas the Whites wander far from their ancestors’ graves. The whites once they are dead, forget their native land and never return. The dead of the Red men will never forget their native land and yearn to visit this beautiful land.
(b) A little earlier, what does Seattle say about the Red Indians’ pitiable and miserable condition ? How does he compare their situation?
Answer:
Seattle says that not a single star of hope hovers above the natives’ horizon. The winds moan and grim fate follows them. Their situation is similar to a wounded doe that is being hunted down.
(c) What is ‘the common destiny’ between the tribal people and the white people ?
Answer:
‘The common destiny’ as Chief Seattle calls it in his speech is the way everything is decayed with time. As he rightly says that tribe follows tribe, nation follows nation, like the waves of the sea. It is the order of nature that everything will see decline sooner or later. As the Red Indians have been reduced their meager existence, the white people will meet with the same destiny whatever distant it may be. Though God has favoured the white people more than the tribal people, they can not be exempted from common destiny of decay.
(d) What proposal was put forward to the Red Indians by the Great Chief?
Answer:
The proposal which was put forward to the Red men was that they (Red men) should surrender their native land to the Whites. In return of this, the Whites will protect them from foreign attack from Haidas and Tsimshians. The Whites are willing to allow them enough land to live comfortably.
(e) What loss will the tribal people have to bear if they are deprived of their land.
Answer:
The native Americans will have to leave their native land where their ancestors are resting in eternal peace. They will lose their land which is full of memories. The land that they have been asked to sell is sacred for them.
(f) What is referred to : ‘White man’s God who walked and talked . with him V How does Chief Seattle indicate that justice will be made at the end.
Answer:
This is a reference to the Biblical God and His ten commandments that always supported and guided the White men. Seattle believes that time will come when the Whites would also be moving towards their inevitable doom.
(g) What do the following ‘We may be brothers after all’ signify ?
Answer:
According to the order of nature, Chief Seattle firmly believes that everyone living on the earth whether the Whites or Red Indians, have to meet with the same end of life. He emphasises that the White colonists too will perish one day. It would be then that the White man would share a common destiny. The Whites would be brothers only when they would be able to empathise the Red men.
9. We will ponder your proposition and when we decide we will let you know. But should we accept it, I here and now make this condition that we will not be denied the privilege without molestation of visiting at any time the tombs of our ancestors, friends and children. Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. Even the rocks, which seem to be dumb and dead as they swelter in the sun along the silent shore, thrill with memories of stirring events connected with the lives of my people, and the very dust upon which you now stand responds more lovingly to their footsteps than yours, because it is rich with the blood of our ancestors, and our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch.
(a) How has the Chief shown earlier that he is not happy about the fate of his people ?
Answer:
Chief Seattle feels that no single star of hope can be seen hovering above the natives’ horizon. The sound of moaning can be heard through the blowing winds and their grim fate awaits them. Their situation has become so pitiable and miserable that he feels that in a few years their race will vanish from the earth. This is how he reflects his unhappiness about the fate of his people.
(b) How is the order of nature referred to by the Chief ? What does he believe ?
Answer:
Every person, tribe, or culture that is risen to great glory would definitely meet its fall one day and that would be surely be the day of justice. He believes that time will come when the whites would also be moving towards their inevitable doom.
(c) What does the following lines show about Seattle’s attitude to the proposal: ‘we will ponder your proposition and we decide we will let you know. But should we accept it, I here and now this condition
Answer:
Chief Seattle seems to be in favour of accommodating things by talks rather than by promoting disharmony. He only has his condition for the White people that they should give the tribal people the respect they deserve and also the freedom to cultivate their ancient traditions.
(d) What blame does Seattle put against the Whites throughout his speech ?
Answer:
Throughout his speech, Seattle has blamed the White people of forcing their ways into the native lands and not respecting the land rights, cultural . tradition and religious faith or beliefs of the tribal people. Moreover, Seattle ends his speech with a strong warning to the white chief that he should be kind and just towards his people.
(e) In his speech why does Chief Seattle say ‘Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people’ ?
Answer:
According to Chief Seattle every part of the native land is sacred in the estimation of his tribal people those places are rich with the blood of their ancestors. As the speaker says that every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. Even the rocks which seem to be dumb and dead as the swelter in the sun along the silent shore, thrill with memories of stirring events connected with the lives of his people.
(f) Did Chief Seattle really want to accept the white Chiefs offer ?
Answer:
Most probably he did not want to do so. If he wanted to accept White Chiefs offer of buying the native land, he would not have told so many things about the cultural difference between the two races namely the Whites and the tribal people.
Question 10.
And when the last Red Man shall have perished, and the memory of my tribe shall have become a myth among the White Men, these shores will swarm with the invisible dead of my tribe, and when your children’s children think themselves alone in the field, the store, the shop, upon the highway, or in the silence of the pathless woods, they will not be alone. In all the earth there is no place dedicated to solitude. At night when the streets of your cities and villages are silent and you think them deserted, they will throng with the returning hosts that once filled them and still love this beautiful land. The White Man will never be alone.
(a) What complaint does Seattle make against the Whites ? What condition does he make to hand over the native land ?
Answer:
Chief Seattle complains that the Whites have never shown the respect the tribal people deserve. They are now reduced to a lean race and on the verge of extinction. So, he makes a condition that he will accept the White Chiefs offer only if the natives’ land rights are respected and they are given privilege to visit the tombs of their ancestors, friends and children any time.
(b) Explain the following: ‘the memory of my tribe shall have become a myth /
Answer:
In his speech, Seattle says that the memory of the tribe would become a myth among the Whites when the native American shall have perished from the natives’ land, but this would be momentary as it would swarm with the invisible dead of the tribe.
(c) How does Seattle prepare his people and give them courage when he says that ‘Death is only a change of worlds’ ?
Answer:
Chief Seattle instils courage in his people saying that ‘Death is only a change of worlds’ and dead people are not powerless. When the native Americans die, they do not go anywhere else but wander about in the surroundings of this world where they once lived. Thus, he prepares his people for the impending circumstances.
(d) What role would the dead Red Indians play for the living ?
Answer:
The Red Indians would be transported to a reality beyond what is felt by the senses. The shores, the pathless woods, the field would never be empty of their spirits. This land will make them eternal. Hence they will be a part of land forever. Their death here would not be death but only a gateway to the eternal world.
(e) When do the shadowy spirits visit the places ?
Answer:
The shadowy spirits visit the places at nights when the streets of the whites’ cities are silent and it is falsely believed that they are deserted.
(f) What kind of attitude do the dead of the natives show towards natural surroundings ?
Answer:
Seattle believes that the native Americans even after death do not forget the world that gave their being and identity. They keep on loving its valleys, its rivers, its magnificent mountains and its lakes. They feel united with the nature and its surroundings.
Long answer Questions
Question 1.
Discuss Seattle’s speech as a documentation on the way in which the White people of America have brought the Tribal people to their days of doom.
Answer:
Chief Seattle, through his speech, has given a clear picture of how his tribal people have been oppressed by the white Americans throughout the centuries. We hear him say : “Yonder sky that has wept tears of compassion upon my people for centuries untold and which to us appears changeless and external, may change.’ Though there was a time when the tribal people had filled the entire land, his race has seen an untimely decay giving him ‘a mournful memory’ of the greatness of the tribes. And for this doom of the Red Indians, Seattle mainly accuses the White people’s act of forcing their way into the native lands. The White people think themselves superior and supreme and do not respect the tribal people. The tribals do not even get their land and human rights secured. Seattle complains, the God gave the White men laws, but. He had no words for His Red Children. The White people don’t even allow them to freely practise and perform their religious and cultural actions. They make laws as they like and the red people’s rights are snatched away. They are tortured.
Again, there has been outsider attacks on their tribes and the white people who administer every thing in the country don’t always give them protection. Seattle says that the white Chief has sent him an offer that if he agrees in their decision to buy the native lands, they will protect their women, children and old men from their ancient enemies far to northward-the Haides and Tsimshians.
So, understandably they are reduced to a community who now live upon the sympathy of the white people. Even God has not been kind enough to protect their race from the white people and from the enemies. In some cases, as Seattle reckons, their own fault-the aggression of the youth and the thirst for revenge even at the cost of their own lives-are to be blamed. They are thus brought to the doorway of a premature doom.
Question 2.
What does Seattle want to convey to the White Chief in his speech ? What is the ‘common destiny’ between the tribal people and the white people that Seattle speaks about his speech ?
Answer:
Seattle’s Demanding Respect, Freedom and Peace for Tribal People : Chief Seattle in his Washington speech, 1854 wants to convey some message to the White Chief. He reassures him that his speech never changes and he always sticks to his previous comments. He demands the respect the tribal people deserve. He demands the freedom for the tribal people to cultivate their beliefs, traditions and also respect for their land-rights. That is the way he can accept the proposal of the white settlers. He also argues that there are fundamental differences between the White people and the tribal ones. The tribal people don’t like the proud attitude of the White people. But he is not willing to go to bloody way of doing things. He thinks that the people need to become more accommodating and reconcilable to make things done in the best way possible. He assures to be friendly enough if the white people show their goodness to them.
The Common Destiny Between Tribal People and White People :
‘The common destiny’ as Chief Seattle calls it in his speech is the way everything is decayed with time. As he rightly says, ‘Tribe follows tribe, nation follows nation, like the waves of the sea’. It is the order of nature that every thing will see decline sooner or later. As the Red tribal people of America have been reduced to their meager existence, the White people will see the same fate, whatever distant it may be. Though God has favoured the White people more than the tribal, they can not be axempt from the common destiny of decay and doom.
Question 3.
Comment on the hostilities that existed between the tribal people and the white people. What solution does Seattle find to put an end to hostilities ? What does Chief Seattle say about death ?
Answer:
Hostilities between the Tribal People and the White People : There have always been some hostilities between the White people and the tribal people like the Red Indians. The White people try to force their way into the tribal areas and prove themselves superior in everything. But the tribal
people are closer to mother Nature and don’t like the white people’s proud attitude as if they own earth. Also, there have been fundamental differences between their thoughts, feelings and beliefs. While the white people are more mechanical and artificial in their way of life, the tribal remain with the nature and their ancient way of life where there is more value for people’s tears and smiles.
Solutions to Put An End of the Hostilities between the Natives and the Whites : Chief Seattle has found a way-out to put an end to the hostilities between the two races. He suggests the White people to treat the land, the water, the air and all its people with the respect they deserve. The White people should behave with the tribal people as if they were close relatives. The tribal people should be allowed to visit the tombs of their ancestors, friend and children any time. Only then they can accept the White Chiefs proposal.
Seattle’s View about Death: According to Chief Seattle, there is no death, only a change of worlds. He means to say that after physical death, the spirits still stay alive and wander about the beautiful places of this world that they loved in their life. Those spirits often visit their loved ones to console, comfort or guide them. These dead men are powerful and keep an eye on their people as he believes.
Question 4.
Comment on the line from Chief Seattle’s Speech : ‘In all the earth there is no place dedicated to solitude. ’ How are the natives more dependent on their ancestors than white men ?
Answer:
The Existence of the Spirits of the Dead on the Earth : While delivering his famous speech of 1854, Seattle talks about the future of his tribe. There will be a time when his people, i.e., the Red Indians will no longer exist on earth and would become a myth among the White men. But still, the White people would not be alone in the field, the store, the shop, upon the highway, or in the silence of the pathless woods. It is because the tribal people love the places they live in and come back to wander around the places they loved even after their death. He speaks about their belief that the spirit of the dead men don’t leave their familiar places and their own people.
Therefore, there won’t be a place on earth that is completely deserted, ‘dedicated to solitude.’ Though the White people may see silent streets in villagers and cities and think it to be deserted, they are actually full of the invisible dead of his tribe. Thus, Chief Seattle warns the white people to deal kindly to his men, as they may take revenge after death.
Native Americans’ following the Religion, Traditions and the Dreams of Their Ancestors : As Chief Seattle says in his speech, the native Red people of America are more dependent on their ancestors than their white counterparts. Their religion has been the traditions of their ancestors-the dreams of their old men, ‘given them in the solemn hours of night by the Great Spirit;’ and the visions of their sachems. For every step in their life, the natives look back to their old people. They love and respect them very much. And that is why they visit their resting places frequently to offer their regards or to find solace.
Question 5.
Under what condition is the Good Father going to protect the native people ? How do the tribal people regard the ashes of their ancestors ?
Answer:
The condition made by Good Father to Give protection to the Natives : The Good Father in Washington made the condition that he would protect the tribal people with his brave warriors and wonderful ships only if they do as he desires. The white settlers wanted to buy their native lands but allow them enough to live comfortably. The natives have to accept that offer if they want him to give them protection from their ancient enemies far to the northward-the Haidas and Tsimshians-who used to frighten the native women, their children and the old men.
Sacredness of the Ashes of the Ancestors of Natives: As Chief Seattle states it, to the tribal people of America, the ashes of their ancestors are sacred. Their religion has been the traditions of their ancestors. The Red Indian people respect the dreams of their forefathers and old people and those are written in their hearts.
Question 6.
What role do the Red Indian play after their death ? Compare the religion of the white men with that of the Red men.
Ans. The Dead Natives’ Attachment to Their Land and People: Chief Seattle says that the Red Indians are deeply attached to their lands. They never forget this beautiful world that gave them being even after their death. They continue to love the places where they worked or roamed about-its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains, sequestered vales and verdant lined lakes and bays and often return to visit, guide, console or comfort their lovely hearted living children or grandchildren with their tender fond affection.
Difference of Religion between the White and Red People : In his speech Chief Seattle has only talked about the fundamental difference between the religious exercises the White men and the Red people do. According to him the White men’s religion was written upon the tables of stone by the iron finger of thier God so that they could not forget. The Red men could never comprehend or remember it. But the Red men’s religion is the traditions of their ancestors- the dreams of their old men, given them in solemn hours of the night by the Great Spirit; and the visions of their sachems and is written in the hearts of their people.
Seattle says that the white people’s religion consists of some hard and fast rules that the native people can not understand well. But the Red men consider the dream and vision of their ancestors and their old men as their religion. There is much more life to their religion and it is closer to the hearts of their people.
Question 7.
Why do the Red children regard themselves as orphans ? How is the God of Red children different from the God of white people ?
Answer:
The Native Americans’ Feeling themselves Helpless and Alone:
In his speech, Chief Seattle shows the world how the native Americans are facing a prematured doom. Once they were a forceful tribe, but now all those past glories have gone. Their people are ill-treated by the White people. They neither respect their religion and culture nor their land rights. Moreover, the external forces like the ancient enemies far to the northward-the Haidas and Tsimshians-frighten their women, children and old people. In all these troubles, only God could protect them. But He (God) seems to have left the Red children in the hands of fate. God has given His love and care to the White people. He is indifferent to the Red. That is why the Red native people think themselves orphans. They have no one to help or show the way.
The Difference between the Whites’ God and the Natives’ God: The God of both the races is quite different from each other. The God of the White men love them and hate the Red men. He protects His paleface children like a caring father, guides them as a father guides his infant son with gentle care and love. God provides them everything-laws to live abiding by, intelligence, strength and power. He strengthens them from time to time. But the God of the native Americans is not so. He was with them when they were strong, abundant and flourishing but now when they are weak and they need Him, He has forsaken them. The White’s God had visited them directly, but the Native’s God came to them as visions, dreams and as nature. However, both the Gods can not be called theirs because one God has forsaken them and the others’ God is partial to the white. Both are not helping them in their pitiful condition. No God is inducing hope, giving them protection, strengthening them or inspiring them.
Treasure Trove Poems and Short Stories Workbook Answers