Squanto: Understood

The extraordinary life of Tisquantum, known as Squanto, a Patuxet man who played a pivotal role in the early years of Plymouth Colony. The excerpt chronicles his kidnapping into slavery, his journeys across the Atlantic, and his return to find his village decimated by disease. It details his remarkable ability to navigate between English and Native American cultures, serving as a translator, intermediary, and teacher for the Pilgrims, ultimately helping them survive their first harsh winter and forge alliances with local tribes. The text emphasizes his complex role as a bridge between worlds, influenced by both survival instincts and a desire for peace, and highlights his enduring impact on the development of English America.