A Comparison of Christopher Columbus’s Two Letters
Kim Horner
From the Book The Norton Anthology – American Literature
A Comparison of Christopher Columbus’s Two Letters
In the book The Norton Anthology-American Literature there are two voyages that are writen about by Christopher Columbus. I will compare the two and explaine some of the contrasts between the two. As they are two very different voyages, 10 years apart, Columbus has emotions and experiences that separate the two. From a free man to a man in bondage.
Discovery
In Columbus’s first letter “Letter to Luis de Santangel Regarding the First Voyage” (Franklin, Letter to Luis de Santangel Regarding the Frist Voyage, 2008) Columbus is full of excitement and happiness as he writes about his discoveries of new islands and sights. He discusses how he traveled to each island and the course he took. For example he states “When I reached Juana I followed its coast to the westward, and I found it to be so extensive that I thought that it must be the mainland, the province of Catayo.” Columbus also states in the same letter the wonder of the beauty in which he was discovering “There are six or eight different palms, which are a wonder to behold on account of their beautiful variety”. In his second letter “ Letter to Ferdinand and Isabella Regarding the Fourth Voyage” (Franklin, Letter to Ferdinand and Isabella Regarding the Fouth Voyage, 2008) he does not speak of any new exciting discovery or new beauty.
Excitement / Sorrow
When Columbus starts his first letter “Letter to Luis de Santangel Regarding the First Voyage” (Franklin, Letter to Luis de Santangel Regarding the Frist Voyage, 2008) He begins by stating “As I know that you will be pleased at the great victory with which Our Lord has crowned my voyage” He speaks with a tone of excitement and pride at his discoveries and accomplishments. Columbus also writes of all the new places he named. In the