5. Discuss the character of Squanto. How did the strengths and weaknesses of his personality end up influencing history, and why did this one man make such a difference?
Squanto was a Native American captured earlier in his life and taken to Europe, where he was displayed as some kind of wonder or oddity. When he came back, he found his village wiped out by plague and was captured by Massasoit who did not trust him. When the Pilgrims showed up, Squanto acted as an interpreter between these Englishmen and the Native Americans. His dealings between them weren't without their own agenda, however...
Squanto was a major influence onhistory for his manipulation of Bradford and Massasoit. Squanto almost convinced the Pilgrims to launch a preemptive attack on Massasoit, who had supposedly turned on them. Squanto did this in the hopes of regaining his position as sachem (pride and ambition). After providing sufficient proof as to the good nature of his people, Massasoit requested Squanto's killing. From here until his death, Squanto was a wedge driving the Pilgrims away from the Pokanokets because Bradford pleaded for his friend's pardon. Squanto made such a big difference because, if an enemy had attacked the Pilgrims at this time, the Pokanokets would have been less inclined to help, reguardless of their treaty.
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