Dead White Writer On The Floor Analysis
In Taylor’s “Dead White Writer on The Floor” Pocahontas’ specific language choice provides a critique against the stereotype of the dependent native woman that she finds herself constructed as.
Pocahontas’ initial presentation reveals a character with a dependency on others to save her from unpleasant situations. Her language choice is highly influential in constructing this surrounding stereotype of dependency. Rather than think of how she could save herself, her character asks where John Smith is because “He’d know what to do.” (Taylor 14). Considering Pocahontas’ decision to cast aside her potential independence and instead display helplessness illustrates the stereotype that, as a native woman, she is incapable of saving herself due to
Pocahontas’ initial presentation reveals a character with a dependency on others to save her from unpleasant situations. Her language choice is highly influential in constructing this surrounding stereotype of dependency. Rather than think of how she could save herself, her character asks where John Smith is because “He’d know what to do.” (Taylor 14). Considering Pocahontas’ decision to cast aside her potential independence and instead display helplessness illustrates the stereotype that, as a native woman, she is incapable of saving herself due to