The historical novel builds on the idea that the settlers were sick and starving by providing specific details about their suffering. The excerpt describes the narrator's pain, the scarcity of food (e.g., "salty water and wormy grain"), and the dire condition of the other characters, emphasizing their illness and the hopelessness of their situation. This vivid imagery conveys the physical and emotional toll of their conditions, reinforcing the reality of their struggles in the Jamestown colony. While the excerpt does not explicitly explain the reasons behind the lack of food or medicine or suggest that some settlers stole food for themselves, it focuses primarily on the direct experiences of suffering and survival.
Read the following text from a historical novel. This excerpt is about the early days of the Jamestown colony.
I lie in my bed, groaning from the pain in my belly. Whether it is from hunger, poison, or sickness, all I know is that I am miserable.
On the days I can move, I bring food and water to Captain Smith, Reverend Hunt, and Richard. They are all sicker than I. Richard just looks at me when I bring him the salty water and wormy grain. I wonder if he thinks I am bringing him such bad fare out of spite, and not because it is all we have. His eyes are glassy, with a faraway look. I think he will likely die even before the two of us have had a chance to put the past behind us and become friends.
From Elisa Carbone, Blood on the River. Copyright 2006 by Elisa Carbone
The previous text suggested that the settlers were sick and starving. How does this historical novel build on or challenge that idea?
it provides specific details about how the settlers were suffering.
it explains why the settlers didn't have enough food or medicine.
it suggest that some of the settler stole food for themselves.
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