Final answer:
Chief Powhatan's feelings towards John Smith were complex and rooted in political strategy rather than simple emotions like affection or animosity. He orchestrated a ceremonial sparing that indicated a desire for diplomatic relations, and he later considered eliminating Smith, showing that their interactions were guided by competing interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best description of how Chief Powhatan feels about John Smith seems to be neither of beloved, enraged, betrayed, nor defeated, based on the historical context provided. Powhatan's actions towards Smith, especially the famous incident involving Pocahontas, suggest a complex relationship. Powhatan had Smith captured and staged an execution only to spare him in a ceremonial display, an act which usually had diplomatic significance. Smith was ultimately adopted by Powhatan, a sign that Powhatan valued him as an important person, enough to wish to make a political gesture with his ceremonial sparing.
Chief Powhatan’s calculated approach demonstrated an understanding of the political implications of his relationship with Smith. Although Powhatan also sought to find a way to murder Smith later on, his daughter Pocahontas warned Smith, indicating a strained but simultaneously diplomatic set of interactions between the two leaders.