Tiffany Garcia
English 48A
December 2, 2009
Cabeza de Vaca Journal
Book Quote:
"We had come from the sunrise, they from the sunset; we healed the sick, they killed the sound; we came naked and barefoot, they clothed, horsed, and lanced; we coveted nothing but gave whatever we were given, while they robbed whomever they found and bestowed nothing on anyone" (47).
Internet Quote:
"the subtle way the author appeals to the king (to whom the book is addressed) for mercy and for compassion for Native Americans has been regarded as skillful. Critics have also praised the story's pacing and its mood of tension and excitement. Themes of spiritual transformation in the Relación." –Enotes
Summary:
Cabeza de Vaca is writing to the Spanish Emperor, explaining the Indians ways of life; how they are human, even more so than they are. The tribes are great communities that look out for one another. They have some flaw like all do but not as outrageous as one would think. In this time the Emperor and other European countries most likely heard terrible things happening in America and saw it they godly doing to send men there to take over and change it. Cabeza de Vaca explains the truth as he witnesses it himself and sees it the Spaniards who wish to enslave these good people who are in need of Gods guidance.
Opinion:
I found this quote in the book very strong which made it stand out of the whole story for me. He is addressing the Emperor, telling him of the noble Indians who are to be enslaved if he doesn’t do something about Alcaraz and others like him. If the Emperor won’t see it is wrong to enslave these Indians, he will address it strongly that America isn’t theirs to claim. The Indians have not just lived in this land before the Spanish arrived but they were one with the land, they were part of the land. If showing how the Indians are more humane than the Spaniards doesn’t do anything then the Emperor will see the Indians are more durable. They will not be taken advantage of so don’t even try. They knew they didn’t have power over them; they were not as idiotic as they were lead out to be. I think this was a risky move for Casa de Vaca to make as the Emperor might of taken offense to this and would have sent an army to break the
Indians strong will.
English 48A
December 2, 2009
Cabeza de Vaca Journal
Book Quote:
"We had come from the sunrise, they from the sunset; we healed the sick, they killed the sound; we came naked and barefoot, they clothed, horsed, and lanced; we coveted nothing but gave whatever we were given, while they robbed whomever they found and bestowed nothing on anyone" (47).
Internet Quote:
"the subtle way the author appeals to the king (to whom the book is addressed) for mercy and for compassion for Native Americans has been regarded as skillful. Critics have also praised the story's pacing and its mood of tension and excitement. Themes of spiritual transformation in the Relación." –Enotes
Summary:
Cabeza de Vaca is writing to the Spanish Emperor, explaining the Indians ways of life; how they are human, even more so than they are. The tribes are great communities that look out for one another. They have some flaw like all do but not as outrageous as one would think. In this time the Emperor and other European countries most likely heard terrible things happening in America and saw it they godly doing to send men there to take over and change it. Cabeza de Vaca explains the truth as he witnesses it himself and sees it the Spaniards who wish to enslave these good people who are in need of Gods guidance.
Opinion:
I found this quote in the book very strong which made it stand out of the whole story for me. He is addressing the Emperor, telling him of the noble Indians who are to be enslaved if he doesn’t do something about Alcaraz and others like him. If the Emperor won’t see it is wrong to enslave these Indians, he will address it strongly that America isn’t theirs to claim. The Indians have not just lived in this land before the Spanish arrived but they were one with the land, they were part of the land. If showing how the Indians are more humane than the Spaniards doesn’t do anything then the Emperor will see the Indians are more durable. They will not be taken advantage of so don’t even try. They knew they didn’t have power over them; they were not as idiotic as they were lead out to be. I think this was a risky move for Casa de Vaca to make as the Emperor might of taken offense to this and would have sent an army to break the
Indians strong will. 
20/20 you find the coolest graphic illustrations!
ReplyDeletejust a helpful piece of information. the king at that time was King Phillip II
ReplyDelete