Alvar De Vaca Analysis

Spanish explorers referred ironically to their early discoveries as The New World. The America’s, however, were inhabited by people with an extensive history, a wealth of customs, and culture. The New World would eventually become a blending of European and American cultures. Christopher Columbus describes himself only as a person observing from the outside, and details the geography he encounters. The entries, therefore, are not considered literature of witness. Alvar Nunez de Vaca, however, becomes a part of the new culture and de Vaca writings are considered a literature of witness. Alvar de Vaca joins in customs of being naked; shares in hunting, fishing and gathering; sleeps on shells; and completes assigned tasks. Alvar de Vaca becomes
The Wampanoag tribe leader, Philip, a name given to him by the settlers, initiates the battle due to the execution of fellow tribesmen in Plymouth. The constant taking of land by the settlers and inevitable anger by the Native Americans leads to the continuation of battles initiated by both sides. King Phillip’s War becomes the last hope the Wampanoag tribe had to stop the expansion that resulted in the Wampanoag’s loss of land, food, and tribesmen. Mary Rowland’s survives her captivity due to her extraordinary faith in God. Examples of faith that helped her survive include God showing her how to heal her wounds, God sending her son as she is about to lose hope, and the Bible being given to her which gives her strength. Rowland attributes her faith and God’s intervention that kept her patient and led to her reuniting with her husband, brother, son, and daughter. John Smith also describes himself as a captive. However, Smith has misunderstood the customs of the Powhatan such as the dances and rituals before meals. Smith interpreted this as a ceremony prior to killing someone rather than a ritual done for a guest. Smith also misinterpreted intentions when travelling to Jamestown. Smith believed he was still a captive and would be killed at any moment. However, Pocahontas brought food every several days that saved Smith as well as the other members of the tribe. The Iroquois Creation Story presents the conflict of good and evil through the birth of twins. The Good Twin creates the positive aspects of the world such as the earth, sun, moon, and humans. The Bad Twin creates only dangerous aspects of the world such as treacherous mountains, reptiles, and dangerous animals. Unable to create humans, a jealousy begins between the twins ending in a confrontation. The Good twin defeats the Bad Twin and banishes the brother to the underworld. The Bad Twin vows to rule over humans upon their