Of Plantations : Summary
Of Plantations is a notable literary work by Francis Bacon. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Of Plantations.
Summary
Brief Background: England was starting colonies in places like Virginia in North America. Many early colonies had problems, like fighting with natives, bad planning, or hunger. Bacon wrote this essay to advise on how to build a strong and fair colony. He believed colonies should be peaceful, organized, and respectful to local people. That is why his essay discusses whom to send, how to manage food and land, and how to treat native people.
About Colonialism: Francis Bacon says that colonialism is a great and old work. He compares it to planting a tree. At first, there is no profit. People must wait many years to see results. Colonies grow slowly but become strong with time. He also says that native people should not be harmed or removed. If they are forced out, it is not a real plantation. It becomes destruction, not creation. A good colony should help both settlers and local people. Bacon warns that a colony must not be left unfinished. If it is growing, it must be protected. Leaving it is a shame. It causes suffering and death. The country that starts the colony must take care of it.
Suggestions for Setting a Colonialism: Bacon advises that bad people should not be sent to new colonies. Criminals and lazy people will spoil the place. They do not work. They waste food and cause problems. He says that good and skilled people should be chosen. These include farmers, builders, blacksmiths, carpenters, cooks, and doctors. They help build and run the colony. Settlers should use local food like fruits, nuts, and honey. They should grow easy crops like carrots, beans, onions, and maize. Food should be used carefully and shared wisely. Bacon also says that colonies should use local natural resources. These include wood, salt, herbs, silk, and more. He warns not to dig too much for gold or silver. Mines are risky. They make people lazy and hopeful for quick riches. When the colony becomes strong, women should be brought. Families should be made. This helps the colony grow with new generations. It becomes stable and lasting.
Suggestions for Running a Government in Colonialism: Bacon says that the government of a colony should be simple and strong. One main leader should be in charge. He should have a few good advisors. Too many leaders cause confusion. He says the leaders should be wise and noble. Merchants should not lead because they care only for fast profit. A colony needs people who think about the future. The colony should not pay heavy taxes at the beginning. It should have the freedom to trade where it gets the best price. Strong rules may be needed at first. But they should be fair and not cruel.
Bacon says settlers must treat native people with justice and kindness. They should not cheat them or fight them. They should only help in self-defense. Some native people can be invited to the settlers’ country. They can see new ideas and share them when they return. A good colonial government gives peace, support, and respect. It helps the settlers live well and helps the colony grow strong.