A Fantasy-Theme Analysis of Arthur Barlowe's 1584 Discourse on Virginia: The First English Commercial Report Written about North America from Direct Experience

Abstract

In 1584 Walter Raleigh received from Queen Elizabeth letters patent to colonize any region of North America not possessed by a Christian prince. In that same year he sent a reconnaissance fleet of two ships to explore the area surrounding Roanoke Island on what is now the Outer Banks of North Carolina. When the ships returned to England, Arthur Barlowe, probably with some help from Raleigh and others, produced his "Discourse," which is the first English commercial report written about any place in North America based on careful reconnaissance. Using fantasy-theme methodology, this article examines the persuasive strategies that the report uses in its attempt to attract a larger group of English merchants, colonists, government officials, and adventurers to Raleigh's project.