"Instead of a man of peace and love, I have become a man of violence and revenge"

Hiawatha's reflection reveals a deep personal transformation, marked by an internal conflict between his former ideals and his current actions. The mention of being "a man of peace and love" speaks to an earlier identity grounded in harmony, compassion, and perhaps a desire to resolve disputes without resorting to anger or force. There is a sense of longing and loss embedded in that phrase, a recognition of the values that once defined him and the positive influence he may have aspired to exert upon others.

Yet, this description is overshadowed by the subsequent development: becoming "a man of violence and revenge". This transition suggests that circumstances have forced Hiawatha to abandon his cherished principles, likely as a reaction to pain, betrayal, injustice, or the suffering of those around him. The words "violence and revenge" evoke a sense of bitterness and despair, indicating that his actions are now fueled by anger and a desire for retribution, rather than reconciliation. It is not a simple choice but an imposed transformation, where violence has nearly become second nature, perhaps even necessary for survival or self-defense in an environment that no longer allows gentleness or understanding.

The juxtaposition of peace with violence, and love with revenge, illustrates the profound emotional and moral struggle Hiawatha endures. It touches on the universal theme of how overwhelming adversity and trauma can alter one's character, pushing even the most virtuous people into adopting behaviors that contradict their deepest beliefs. It raises questions about the cost of vengeance, the corrosion of the soul when one is compelled to respond to cruelty in kind, and whether peace and love can ever be fully reclaimed after crossing such a threshold.

Ultimately, Hiawatha’s words encapsulate a moment of self-awareness and sorrow: he recognizes both what he has lost and what he has become, standing as a poignant reminder of how external circumstances can so powerfully shape one’s internal world.