Questions

  1. Why do you suppose Columbus is surprised by the lack of diversity among the natives? How do his first-hand impressions differ from what he has heard? Offer specific examples to support your answer.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - 1. Letter to King Ferdinand of Spain - Questions: Why do you suppose Columbus is surprised by the lack of diversity among the natives? How do his first-hand impressions differ from what he has heard? Offer specific examples to support your answer.
  2. Look closely at Columbus’s diction—for example, at “taken possession” (para. 1) and “command them” (para. 11). What do these phrases suggest about the attitude of both Columbus and King Ferdinand toward the native people?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - 1. Letter to King Ferdinand of Spain - Questions: Look closely at Columbus’s diction—for example, at “taken possession” (para. 1) and “command them” (para. 11). What do these phrases suggest about the attitude of both Columbus and King Ferdinand toward the native people?
  3. Columbus states that he has established a fort where he has left some men for a year. He writes, “I am so friendly with the king of that country that he was proud to call me his brother and hold me as such. Even should he change his mind and wish to quarrel with my men, neither he nor his subjects know what arms are” (para. 11), and that the few men he left behind could destroy the whole region. Given this language, what is the nature of the “friendship” that has been established?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - 1. Letter to King Ferdinand of Spain - Questions: Columbus states that he has established a fort where he has left some men for a year. He writes, “I am so friendly with the king of that country that he was proud to call me his brother and hold me as such. Even should he change his mind and wish to quarrel with my men, neither he nor his subjects know what arms are” (para. 11), and that the few men he left behind could destroy the whole region. Given this language, what is the nature of the “friendship” that has been established?
  4. In paragraph 15, Columbus enumerates the things that he will give to King Ferdinand, and he promises that he will find “many other things of value.” What are the eight things that he mentions? What do they have in common? Are you surprised at anything about the list? Explain your response.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - 1. Letter to King Ferdinand of Spain - Questions: In paragraph 15, Columbus enumerates the things that he will give to King Ferdinand, and he promises that he will find “many other things of value.” What are the eight things that he mentions? What do they have in common? Are you surprised at anything about the list? Explain your response.
  5. What assumptions concerning authority, ownership, and faith underlie the statements Columbus makes in paragraph 16? What are the “temporal benefits” Columbus refers to? Are they secondary to religious ones, as he suggests? Explain your response.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 13 - 1. Letter to King Ferdinand of Spain - Questions: What assumptions concerning authority, ownership, and faith underlie the statements Columbus makes in paragraph 16? What are the “temporal benefits” Columbus refers to? Are they secondary to religious ones, as he suggests? Explain your response.