(1) It was a fine harbor, well protected from the sea, yet with the sea easily reachable through navigable waters. (2) The vessel sailed for the Dutch West India Company, its mission to purchase from the natives a base from which to conduct company trade. (3) The best location, it was decided, was the tip of the hilly island the natives called Manna-hata. (4) Dutch being unfamiliar to the natives, the captain employed broken French and a great deal of sign language to arrange for the purchase. (5) For goods worth only about sixty Dutch guilders—cloth, kettles, knives, shirts—he concluded what he thought was a splendid bargain, acquiring the island for the company.
(6) The Tall One spoke as best he could to the strangers from across the waters. (7) “I know my people’s love of the land. I hear your words, but I do not think you share this love. (8) When you speak, I hear only your want. (9) I hear only your need. (10) Your need is for a place to hunt.
(11) Your want is for a promise of safety. (12) For this, you make offerings. (13) Very well. (14) There is enough here to share. (15) I accept your offerings, and I welcome you in peace.” (16) He did not understand why later they expected him and his people to leave the area.
From the details in this passage, what can you conclude about the captain and the company he represents?
Answers
(The captain's ethnic background)
The passage tells us that the captain is of Dutch origin. He struggles while interacting with the natives. The captain is not fluent in French, but tries his best to communicate in French. He also uses sign language to clarify his ideas.
(The captain's ideology)
Other than the language difference with the natives, the captain and his company also think differently. The company thinks in business terms and wants to buy a base, while the natives think on the lines of welcoming and sharing their space with the foreigners.
(The captain's deal)
The captain thinks that he is striking a deal with the paltry offering, while the 'Tall One' feels that it is the foreigners' way of extending their friendship. The ideology of the captain's company is purely money based, in sharp contrast to how the natives think.