The Black Robe, although a work of fiction, is based upon events that actually happened—as chronicled in the Jesuit Relations. After reading the sections assigned in the first two weeks, as well as the introduction to Colin Calloway's The Shawnees and the War for America, your assignment is to compare and contrast the belief systems between Native Americans and their European counterparts--in what ways were they similar, and in what ways were they different?
Alternatively (or, in addition), you may wish to compare the events depicted in The Black Robe with what you have read in Jesuit Relations. How do these two works compare? In one more true than another? If so, then why is it closer to the truth? Keep in mind that one is a work of fiction based on fact, while the other purports to be a true depiction of events. Does this effect why one form is considered more truthful than the other? Which one do you think is a more accurate depiction of the past—and why?
Your answer should fill at least 2 machine produced pages, using a conventional font, twelve-point type, and one-inch margins all around the paper. This should be handed in at the beginning of class on Thursday, January 26.
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