Questions

1. Christopher Columbus carefully recounts his observations of the New World, describing a people and place that others would be unfamiliar with. Where does he report objectively and where does he draw value judgments? Selecting one passage, analyze the different types of descriptions.

   Question

   Questions: - Christopher Columbus carefully recounts his observations of the New World, describing a people and place that others would be unfamiliar with. Where does he report objectively and where does he draw value judgments? Selecting one passage, analyze the different types of descriptions.
2. What led Columbus to conclude that the native population was “asking us if we had come from the heavens” (par. 3)?

   Question

   Questions: - What led Columbus to conclude that the native population was “asking us if we had come from the heavens” (par. 3)?
3. What are some of the details that Columbus cites to show, intentionally or unintentionally, that the natives are inferior to the Europeans? Consider the motives he ascribes to them in specific instances.

   Question

   Questions: - What are some of the details that Columbus cites to show, intentionally or unintentionally, that the natives are inferior to the Europeans? Consider the motives he ascribes to them in specific instances.
4. Overall, how does Columbus characterize the indigenous population? Does his opinion change as the days go by? How do you reconcile, for instance, his conclusion that they are “a people very poor in everything” (par. 1), yet they are “somewhat more civilized and given to commerce and more astute” (par. 4) than other islanders?

   Question

   Questions: - Overall, how does Columbus characterize the indigenous population? Does his opinion change as the days go by? How do you reconcile, for instance, his conclusion that they are “a people very poor in everything” (par. 1), yet they are “somewhat more civilized and given to commerce and more astute” (par. 4) than other islanders?
5. Following is an excerpt from a formal letter that Columbus wrote to the secretary to the royal court of Spain, which he intended to be read by the king and queen. He reports similar information and events as he does in the October entries of his journal, yet there are differences. What are they? How do these differences reflect his appeal to a specific audience with the intent of gaining continued support for his journeys?

   They do not hold any creed nor are they idolaters; but they all believe that power and good are in the heavens and were very firmly convinced that I, with these ships and men, came from the heavens, and in this belief they everywhere received me after they had mastered their fear. This belief is not the result of ignorance, for they are, on the contrary, of a very acute intelligence and they are men who navigate all those seas, so that it is amazing how good an account they give of everything. It is because they have never seen people clothed or ships of such a kind.

   As soon as I arrived in the Indies, in the first island which I found, I took some of the natives by force, in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts. And so it was that they soon understood us, and we them, either by speech or by signs, and they have been very serviceable. At present, those I bring with me are still of the opinion that I come from Heaven, for all the intercourse which they have had with me. They were the first to announce this wherever I went, and the others went running from house to house, and to the neighbouring towns, with loud cries of, “Come! Come! See the men from Heaven!” So all came, men and women alike, when their minds were set at rest concerning us, not one, small or great, remaining behind, and they all brought something to eat and drink, which they gave with extraordinary affection… .

   In all these islands, I saw no great diversity in the appearance of the people or in their manners and language. On the contrary, they all understand one another, which is a very curious thing, on account of which I hope that their Highnesses will determine upon their conversion to our holy faith, towards which they are very inclined.

   Question

   Questions: - Following is an excerpt from a formal letter that Columbus wrote to the secretary to the royal court of Spain, which he intended to be read by the king and queen. He reports similar information and events as he does in the October entries of his journal, yet there are differences. What are they? How do these differences reflect his appeal to a specific audience with the intent of gaining continued support for his journeys?They do not hold any creed nor are they idolaters; but they all believe that power and good are in the heavens and were very firmly convinced that I, with these ships and men, came from the heavens, and in this belief they everywhere received me after they had mastered their fear. This belief is not the result of ignorance, for they are, on the contrary, of a very acute intelligence and they are men who navigate all those seas, so that it is amazing how good an account they give of everything. It is because they have never seen people clothed or ships of such a kind.As soon as I arrived in the Indies, in the first island which I found, I took some of the natives by force, in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts. And so it was that they soon understood us, and we them, either by speech or by signs, and they have been very serviceable. At present, those I bring with me are still of the opinion that I come from Heaven, for all the intercourse which they have had with me. They were the first to announce this wherever I went, and the others went running from house to house, and to the neighbouring towns, with loud cries of, “Come! Come! See the men from Heaven!” So all came, men and women alike, when their minds were set at rest concerning us, not one, small or great, remaining behind, and they all brought something to eat and drink, which they gave with extraordinary affection… .In all these islands, I saw no great diversity in the appearance of the people or in their manners and language. On the contrary, they all understand one another, which is a very curious thing, on account of which I hope that their Highnesses will determine upon their conversion to our holy faith, towards which they are very inclined.