What credibility does his son have in writing about his father?

• He speaks with a sense of detail and immediacy, making relevant Columbus's discoveries to the people of Spain
• Specific and he demonstrates a command of subject matter
• Use of first person reminds us of the self consciousness of writing and it creates an invitation to explore.
• He also creates distance
• Avoidance in saying that he is the Admiral's son
• Account reveals biases, the account is subjective
• Issue about whether there is gold
• Representation of Indians as guests and captives
• Conveys a sense of mastery, that everything is under control
• Loss of ship was providence


What authority do his father's words have in the reading?

• Columbus addresses the monarchs (Isabella and Ferdinand) and in doing so, he reminds us of his first audience.  Then we feel privy to this information
• He writes eloquently, and he too invites the reader into this beautiful land, edenic site
• Language fails Columbus, nothing can express the beauty and innocence of what he sees
• Humbles himself in relation to nature; he sees that it extends beyond him
• Humbling himself in relation to his readers
• Conveys a sense of wonder

2) Discussion of rhetoric and purpose in Life of the Admiral.
How does Hernando Colon construct his account?

•      Examine the things he describes (people, plants, animals, terrain, food, clothing)
•      Examine the dynamics of each encounter with natives (gifts, gestures)
•      Examine the idea of managing equipment
•      Protocol of personnel
•      Examine the social hierarchies established by islanders and the Admiral's men
•      What kinds of transactions take place between islanders and the Spanish?