| “ |
No matter what happens to me, I'll always be with you forever |
” |
| ―John Smith to Pocahontas | ||
Captain John Smith is the deuteragonist of Disney's 1995 animated feature film, Pocahontas. John Smith is a renowned British explorer that joined in Governor Ratcliffe's expedition to Virginia, where he would meet and fall in love with Pocahontas.
John Smith is primarily based on the actual John Smith.
John is the seventh official Disney prince and is a prince who was not born into royalty nor married a royal, but is still called a prince, just like Li Shang from Mulan
Background[]
Personality[]
At the beginning of the film, Smith initially assumes that the voyage to the New World will be the same as the other voyages he has taken. By the end of the film, though, many of his views about the natives have changed thanks to Pocahontas.
At the beginning of the film, John is shown to have some prejudiced views regarding Native Americans, as he believes them to be savages. Despite these views, he is regarded for his courage and heroism. An encounter with Pocahontas and getting to know her and so much she teaches him changes his opinions, and he comes to believe that the natives can help his people. He is also shown to be selfless, as he was willing to take the blame for Thomas when he kills Kocoum. This is also demonstrated when he risks his own life to save Thomas from drowning during a storm.
John also shows that he can also be caring, as he takes Thomas under his wing and becomes his best friend. He also shows this as he teaches Thomas things he knows about shooting and sailing. Throughout the film, he shows the same loyalty to Thomas as Thomas shows him.
Physical Appearances[]
John Smith is a muscular young English man who had fair skin, shoulder-length light blond hair with fringes on each side, and blue eyes.
In Pocahontas and its sequel, he wears a conquistador uniform consisting of a medium blue conquistador armour, a light blue long-sleeved button shirt with the sleeves are folded into cuffs, blue pants and dark blue boots with folded sleeves. He was also worn a satchel and a musket. He initially wore a blue helmet to match his outfit in the original film. His primary outfit appears in different shades of blue.
When he was captured by Chief Powhatan and was nearly executed, John's medium blue conquistador armour was removed and his light blue button shirt was loose and his boots from his primary outfit became black. When he is about to return to England after saving Chief Powhatan from getting shot by Ratcliffe, John's button shirt was open to show his chest while covered with white bandages due to the gunshot wound he sustained.
At the end of the sequel, John now wears a dark blue sleeveless tunic with gold trim with a white long-sleeved collared shirt, blue pants, and black traditional shoes and grey socks.
Appearances[]
Pocahontas[]
In 1607, the Virginia Company finances a voyage to the New World, so that settlers may found a colony in the new world. Due to his extraordinary reputation in dealing with natives, John Smith is chosen to be the captain. Governor Ratcliffe, who is to be the leader of the new colony, notes that he is depending on John to deal with the natives so that there are no disruptions. During the voyage, one young man, named Thomas, falls overboard. In response, John, with some assistance from Ben and Lon, mounts a risky but successful rescue mission, earning him Ratcliffe's praise. Thomas tells John his plans for the New World. John notes that he has seen hundreds of new worlds and that there could be little that would be different about this one. However, he's moved by Thomas's spirit, will, and bravery and takes Thomas on as his protégé.
When they reach the new world, work begins on a colony, which is named Jamestown, Virginia. Upon landing, John is sent out with a crew so that they can tie the ship off. While there, John meets Meeko but is prevented from seeing Pocahontas, hidden by Flit. Ratcliffe then tasks John with exploring the surrounding area, to scout for natives.
While exploring, John is impressed by the land, deeming it wild and challenging. Meanwhile, he is secretly being followed by Pocahontas. John stops to wash his face at a river but notices a reflection. Hiding behind a rock, he readies his gun, but when he jumps upon the person, he discovers a beautiful woman. He puts down his gun and tries to introduce himself at first, just before the woman runs from him, and he quickly follows her. John tries to explain that he won't hurt her, but she doesn't understand him at first. However, he tries telling her it was alright. She takes his hand and sees he's not a threat to her, and they take a moment to notice each other. When he asks her name, she tells him that her name is Pocahontas. The two talk for some time, bonding over their different cultures. Pocahontas is fascinated by John's description of London's advanced technologies and infrastructure and hopes she will be able to experience it herself one day. John states that such day will come, as the settlers intend to introduce their culture to her people, starting with building roads and better houses. Pocahontas objects to this plan as her people get along just fine with the way things are, to which John replies that she only thinks that because she does not know of any better ways of life. Pocahontas is insulted by his statement and storms off in disgust. John goes after her, explaining that the white man has travelled the world improving the lives of "savages," a term that angers Pocahontas. He tries to apologize, and although Pocahontas realizes he means well, she calls him out on his colonist mindset and teaches him that just because his culture is more advanced than hers does not make it superior, nor does it give him the right to force his culture onto others. However, their time together is cut short when Pocahontas hears the sound of drums and runs off.
A few days later, John sneaks away from camp to find Pocahontas. During their talk, John tells Pocahontas about the reason the settlers are there: to look for gold. Pocahontas has never heard of gold, and after hearing a description holds up an ear of corn. John corrects her by showing her a gold piece, which Pocahontas has never seen and states that nothing like that exists in Virginia as far as she is aware of. The disappointed John remarks that they came a long way for nothing, and notes that some settlers might leave, but that the rest would have to carry out the settlement. Pocahontas asks if he would leave, but John notes he has nothing to go back to in England, as he has never belonged anywhere. Pocahontas chooses to introduce John to Grandmother Willow. The experience shocks him at first, but he grows to like her, especially after she compliments his looks. They are interrupted by Ben and Lon, who have come looking for John. John and Pocahontas hide and Grandmother Willow spooks the two men away. John decides to go back before they send more people looking for him but first, agrees to meet Pocahontas that night at Grandmother Willow's glade.
When John returns to camp, he is nearly shot at by Thomas but John coaches on how to aim more properly by keeping both eyes open and slaps his little friend on the back before going in. He is then questioned by Ratcliffe as to where he had been. John uses the excuse that he was scouting. Ratcliffe approves, as the information will be useful for the upcoming battle. John learns that Ratcliffe plans to attack the Indians, in order to get the gold Ratcliffe believes them to be hiding. He protests, much to the surprise of Ratcliffe and the settlers, causing the only moment of tension between him and Thomas for the whole film. John relates what he has learned from Pocahontas, though he doesn't reveal her identity, saying only that he met an Indian. John notes the advantages of working with the natives and shows them an ear of corn he brought back as proof that they are not the savages they initially assumed they were. He then says that there is no gold, much to the settlers' surprise, but Ratcliffe dismisses the tale as lies and proclaims that anyone who sees natives must shoot them on sight or be charged with treason and hanged.
Despite Ratcliffe's ruling, John sneaks out of camp that night. However, he is unknowingly spotted by Thomas. Ratcliffe orders Thomas to follow John, as well as to shoot any Indians he sees. Meanwhile, John meets with Pocahontas and tells her of the impending attack. Pocahontas reveals that her people are also preparing for war and that if they are to stop this, John must come to talk to her father, Chief Powhatan. John initially refuses, citing the matter to be impossible, but eventually acquiesces, after Grandmother Willow compares the situation to ripples, which must be started by someone. John and Pocahontas impulsively share a kiss, which is witnessed by both Thomas and Kocoum, who had followed Pocahontas. Kocoum attacks John out of jealousy and tries to murder him. John manages to disarm him of his tomahawk, but Kocoum draws out his knife and almost overpowers him. Just as Kocoum is about to come to his senses, Thomas shoots him and he dies instantly. Kocoum's death makes Pocahontas angry, and John orders a speechless and guilt-filled Thomas to leave. As soon as he does, warriors from Pocahontas's tribe appear, and capture John, believing him to have killed Kocoum.
At the village, Powhatan sentences John to death at sunrise, as the first casualty in the upcoming war. That night, Pocahontas comes and apologizes for getting him in trouble. John refuses to accept, stating that he was a better person for having met her and that he would be with her forever. Pocahontas leaves,
Meanwhile, Thomas runs back to camp in panic bringing the news of John's capture, waking up everyone in the camp. Thomas goes on to insist that they need to mount a rescue, stating that John would do the same for any of his comrades. Ben voices his agreement that they need to save John. Ratcliffe decides to take advantage of the panic-stricken settlers to commit genocide against the Indians and says they will rescue John. He further insists that he tried to tell them that the Indians weren't trustworthy and declares that they will attack the natives at daybreak.
As the two sides prepare for war, Pocahontas brings news to Grandmother Willow that Chief Powhatan is going to kill John at sunrise. Meeko hands her John's compass, and she sees that it's the arrow from her recurring dream. The arrow stops at the sunrise, prompting Pocahontas to attempt to stop the war.
Soon John is forcefully taken to a cliff, near where the battle is to take place. Just then the English settlers arrive for the battle-ready to fire, Powhatan prepares to execute John. Before he can do so, Pocahontas intervenes, throwing her body over John's, with a proclamation that Powhatan will have to kill her along with John. Pocahontas proclaims her love for John and rebukes everyone for following the path of hatred and discrimination. The two sides are left shocked into silence. Powhatan, seeing the truth, chooses to release John, and calls off his warriors. The settlers are content to let the fight go, and they lower their muskets, as John has been released. Ratcliffe tries to shoot Powhatan, but John sees this, pushes Powhatan out of the way and takes the shot, saving his life. Thomas and the others realize Ratcliffe's true motives and they tie him up and gag him and send him back to England at Thomas' order.
John survives but is forced to return to England for medical treatment from Ratcliffe's bullet, otherwise, he would die. Pocahontas arrives, bringing food, healing bark from Grandmother Willow, and says goodbye to John. John invites her to come with him, but Pocahontas initially refuses, stating that she's needed with her tribe. John wants to stay, but Pocahontas tells that he has to go, because she would be with him forever no matter what. Powhatan comes, and thanks John for saving his life earlier, stating that he is always welcome among their people. John is soon sent on his way by Thomas and Lon and is rowed to the ship by Ben. The film concludes as he is able to wave goodbye to Pocahontas as the ship sails out to sea.
Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World[]
At the beginning of the second film, John, still in England and having recovered from his injury, is attacked by guards, who attempt to arrest him for treason in Jamestown. Ratcliffe arrives, revealing that he has framed John, and attacks John. John is forced onto the roof of a house and falls off into the river below. He is presumed dead by Ratcliffe, who informs the king. Soon, word reaches Pocahontas in Virginia and she chooses to move on with her life.
Near the end of the film, a hooded figure overhears a sailor talk about the upcoming execution of Pocahontas. Pocahontas had been sent to England as an emissary for her tribe but had offended the king after witnessing a bear-baiting. The man is shown to be disturbed, and he rides off. The man meets with John Rolfe, and together they plan to free Pocahontas. The plan is pulled off, and in the safety of a secluded cabin, the mysterious man reveals himself to be John Smith. John had disguised himself to avoid being arrested for treason.
John Smith obviously wants to resume his romantic relationship with Pocahontas. But all Pocahontas can think of is the threatened attack on her tribe. Smith, knowing that her people need to live, wants her to stay hidden to prevent her from being hanged, but Rolfe wants Pocahontas to listen to her heart. The two men start to argue. Upset by her friends' fighting, Pocahontas runs off. Then Smith realizes Rolfe's now in love with Pocahontas.
The group decides to confront the king. Pocahontas is able to convince the queen to halt the attack, but the King, whom Ratcliffe is personal friends with, is reluctant to believe her. John then chooses to reveal himself, in turn revealing that Ratcliffe has lied to the King and Queen and their court about virtually everything. The King finally agrees to stop the attack but realizes that the Armada has already set sail. Smith, Rolfe, and Pocahontas race to stop the armada. John engages in battle with Ratcliffe, which results in the governor being thrown overboard―Ratcliffe is caught by the King and his men and presumably hanged as a result of his crimes.
The next day, John reveals that he has been awarded his own ship, and invites Pocahontas to travel the world with him. Pocahontas (who, at this point, has gotten over her feelings for Smith and is now in love with Rolfe) tells him that she feels that they've grown too far apart to be compatible as a couple, but that she'll always care about him as a friend. After hearing this, Smith thinks it over and (possibly also realizing that Pocahontas has feelings for Rolfe) accepts it, ultimately just wanting her to be happy. They share a goodbye before departing.
Video Games[]
Animated StoryBook: Pocahontas[]
John appears on pages two, four, five, seven, eight, ten, and eleven.
On page two, John appears after the full narration riding down on a cannon and saying, "I've been looking for a place like this all my life." and sits down on the cannon. If the player clicks on him or has the word 'search' defined, John will look around and say, "If there are any Indians out there, I'll find them." When the player clicks continue, Meeko will come up to John Smith; John will greet him with, "Well hello, you're a strange looking fella." and then offers a biscuit to him. Meeko will take it and run off; John will look after him, say, "Hey!" and run after him.
On page four, John will come out with his gun aimed, but lowers it when he sees Pocahontas. He reaches his hand out to which Pocahontas appears ready to run. He tells her, "No, wait." and sets his gun down and asks, "Who are you?" Though Pocahontas doesn't understand at first, she remembers to listen with her heart and tells him, "My name is Pocahontas." To which he tells her, "I'm John Smith." and offers his hand to her which she takes, and they reappear on the riverbank sitting together. If the player clicks on different things around them, John will say its name in English and Pocahontas will say it in Algonquin. If the player clicks on John, he'll show Pocahontas how to shake hands and tell her, "It's alright, it's just a handshake. It's how we say hello." If the player clicks on Pocahontas, she will show him how her people say hello, "This is how we say hello: Wingapo." and John will make an attempt to copy her movement. If the player clicks on Flit, John will catch his beak in a biscuit and say, "Hey little fella." and Pocahontas will release him. When the player clicks continue, John will tell Pocahontas, "We'll show your people how to use this land properly." When Pocahontas says, "How can there be so much you don't know." and prepares to leave, he touches her arm and says, "Wait."
On page five, after narration, John will say, "We'll cut down these trees, build roads and decent houses." until Pocahontas begins to educate him. If the player clicks on the tree, John will catch a golden hawk on his arm and stay put looking at it. When the player clicks on John Smith while he has the hawk on his arm, he'll let it go again and resume his original position. When the player clicks on Pocahontas, as the wind blows by, John will react to it with Pocahontas. If the player clicks on John, he'll touch a bush behind them and butterflies will come out. When the player clicks continue, the drums will sound and Pocahontas will tell him, "The drums, they mean trouble." as she leaves, John will tell her, "Please don't leave!" to which she tells him, "I have to go." and leaves him on the cliff.
On page seven, John will be on the top right corner of the page with the English. After the narration, after Ratcliffe speaks, John will say, "They're not savages, they can help us." If the player clicks on him, he'll say the same thing but spread out his arms a different way. If the player clicks on Ratcliffe, John will reply to Ratcliffe's "They've got our gold!" with the same action as being clicked on but say, "But there is no gold." to which Ratcliffe says, "Lies, lies, all of it!" When the player clicks continue, John will look to the other side and leave saying, "We have to try talking to them."
On page eight, after the narration and Meeko and Percy show up, John will tell Pocahontas, "See? Once two sides want to fight, nothing can stop them." If the player clicks on Pocahontas, John will gasp at Grandmother Willow before Pocahontas tells him, "Don't be afraid, it's Grandmother Willow." When the player clicks on Grandmother Willow, after she tells John to "come closer", he'll say, "What?" If the player clicks on John, he'll say, "What do you say to a tree?" If the player clicks on Flit, John and Pocahontas will begin to kiss before Flit intervenes and John says, "It's that bird again!" When the player clicks continue, John will join hands with Pocahontas and kiss until Kocoum reveals himself and they break away looking at him in shock before the screen goes blank.
On page ten, John will be on the cliff prepared for execution before Pocahontas intervenes and saves him. He remains silent for this page.
On page eleven, John will be on a stretcher to go back to England. After narration, John will tell Pocahontas, "Pocahontas, come to England with me." She tells him, "My place is here, with my people." When the player clicks on Pocahontas or defines the word 'heal', she'll give him a pouch saying, "It's from Grandmother Willow's bark, it'll help with the pain." If the player clicks on her a second time, she'll lean close and grasp his hand. If the player clicks on John, Percy will come up and John will pat him and say, "See ya, Percy." If the player clicks on Powhatan, he and John will shake hands while Powhatan tells him, "You are always welcome among our people." If the player clicks on Flit, Flit will fly into his hand while John says, "And I thought you didn't like strangers." When the player clicks continue, John will say, "But I can't leave you." Pocahontas will reply, "You won't, no matter what happens, I'll always be with you"
