Analysis Of Samson Occom

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Samson Occom (1723-1792) is a Mohegan native caught between two worlds, that of his "Heathen" (Occom, 52) upbringing and that of Christianity and the European Englishman. He decides he would like to discover a new method of discourse for himself and chooses to explore English. Occom is interested in the teachings of the Bible, and Christianity offers “saving and conviction” (Occom, 53) and allows him to become closer with the English locals. He develops an insatiable appetite for the English language and decides to learn to read and write in English in any way he can. This new found power over the language allows him to express himself to a wider audience and creates an opportunity for him to learn more about religion and teach students. He, along with other Mohegan natives connects with the English settlers and decides to gain their knowledge of language and religion. This creates an interesting turning point for Occom and a seemingly strange change for …show more content…

He is paid much less than other missionaries and takes on tasks that others would not. He believes that this is predetermined and there is nothing that he could have done better. "So I am ready to say, they have usd us thus, because I Cant Instruct the Indians so well as other Missionaries, but I Can assure them I have endeavours to teach them as well as I how-but I must Say, I believe it is because I a poor Indian. I Can 't help that God has made me So; I did not make my self So.-” Samson Occom shows us that he wants to be able to express himself on a larger scale. He sets out to learn many languages and become versed in Christian religious texts and depart from the tradition of his “heathen” (Occom, 52) brethren. This is a narrative of self discovery and self knowledge pursuit. His world of social and economic inequality was holding him back but he does not allow this to hinder his

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