1) Introduction to the Course
3) Our Policy and Procedure Sheet
3) Our Hub-Blog
4) Our Syllabus
5) A Brief Introduction to Blogging and Eh 241
6) Who are you?
7) Who am I?
Listen,
“Why are we studying old-school British literature, anyway?”
Well, let’s break that question down into three more fundamental questions.
Question One: Why do we study literature?
Question Two: Why do we study British literature?Question Three: Why do we study British literature from the 14th-19th centuries?
Question One: Why do we study literature?
As an American, average or otherwise, living in the 21st century, you may think that it would make more sense to spend your time looking at the job-oriented, political or scientific events of your own world. After all, that is where you will be working and making money, right?
You may even come to this class with the presumption that most literature is “old,” and was produced by people who held extremely naive beliefs, beliefs that have no meaningful place in your 21st-century go-go-go American word!
You may be right — partly!
For example, there is an enormous intellectual, moral, and psychological gulf between YOU and many of the authors on our syllabus.
After all, while most of us would believe that these people were “smart,” it is also true that that believed that the ENTIRE universe consisted of the Earth and the other plants and stars that were VISIBLE with the naked eye.
How stupid is that!
Turns out…pretty stupid.
Today, of course, we know that this is simply not true, and that the Universe is many billions of times larger than this.
You will come across specific example of the astounding limitations of economic, political, and scientific reasoning in our upcoming readings by Christopher Columbus.
So, yes, if we are looking at literature as a source of information on the physical world or our own economic marketplace, we will certainly find that it is less accurate than a scientific or economic text. You’ll get no argument on that from me. However, our topic in this class is not the study of science and geography, but, rather the Humanities!
Q: What are the humanities? I’ve never studied them before? Why would I want to?
A: Hey, that’s three new questions. But, okay, think about it this way:
The humanities are area of studies that looks back on and considers the past, to cultures that are less technological and capitalistic than our own. We do this to find out how we got to where we are as a civilization. The humanities do nothing less than help us make sense of the world as we find it — and what we might do with it!
Literature, like all forms of art, falls under the broad category of the humanities. We study literature because it is the most perfect subject the human race has devised for taking up issues related to critical thinking — a subject that you will all need to engage before you can graduate from his university, no matter what your major may be.
And that, at least to me, seems to be a pretty good “nuts and bolts” answer to the question of why it is we study literature.
Q: Okay. I buy it, Assistant Professor Crowley. But, but there are a lot of different literatures I could look at, right? Why British Literature? After all — need I remind you — I am an AMERICAN! Wouldn’t it make more sense for me to study literature that asks American questions? And did you just say that we were going to read Christopher Columbus? He was not even English? Do you even know what you are doing? Are you qualified to teach this course?
A: Those are all good questions, and let me try to answer them, or at least most of them, with the following claim: which I am going to ask you to take on faith right now.
Much of what it means to be an AMERICAN today was first established by BRITISH writers almost eight hundred years ago, who were, themselves, writing in response to massive social upheavals that were upending Europe. If you don’t believe me, I hope that over the course of this semester you will give me an opportunity to PROVE this to you.
Consider: George Washington was British by birth, and American by choice. As was John Adams. And even though these men were British, they were also influenced by the many cultures and peoples of Europe.
Q: Okay, that’s hard to swallow. But seeing as how I’ve already walked all the way over to this classroom, I’ll take it on faith. But you’ll have to prove it! I’ll hold you to your promise. But — hey — even if that is true, then why are we looking at British literature written from 200 to 800 years ago!
A: We are looking back at this writing because it points towards the most important cultural transformations that shaped the entire second millennium, from an American perspective. Let’s take just a quick look at what the world was like 700 years ago:
To understand our subject, you need a little context. The medieval world…
Our earliest authors: Columbus, Dante, and Chaucer, lived in an era during which people widely believed that the Classical world of Homer was generally superior to the modern world.
It is for this reason that people turned to the philosophy and writing of the classical world and tried to use it to make sense of the world as they found it.
It was a vast intellectual effort to translate the historical records of a previous time and make them fit into the modern world. This was the beginning of the Humanities as we know it today, by the way.
At the same time, there was the MASSIVE shock of discovering North and south American continents.
The English people of the time didn’t call these new continents the “New Countries,” the “New Land.” They called them the NEW WORLD.
This “new world” was populated with plants, animals, and people — not to mention totally new forms of government — that HAD NEVER been seen in the “old world.” The many exciting possibilities of the new world suggested that human affairs might be organized differently, which was a HUGE relief to Europeans who’d been looking back on the age of Homer for inspiration! (not that the age of Homer was all that bad.)
It was the beginning of a true era of Cultural Diversity for the people of Eastern and Western Europe.
This leads us to our first writer, a man who was English and didn’t even speak English, Christopher Columbus. What do you know of Christopher Columbus?
For next time, I want you to read the following excerpts from Christopher Columbus’ diary.
Read: Christopher Columbus, Jounrnal of the First Voyage to America, 1492-1493.
Read Pages 54-76 (October 21 1492 through November 12 1492) Link: http://books.google.com/books?id=2mvK60VAdCcC&dq=christopher+columbus+Journal+of+the+first+voyage&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=WWpufFZjo1&sig=YpzUGPhdMBtkeRoqT8FuYErUmWs&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPA54,M1
Read Pages 6-8: This is an excerpt from the Narrative of Columbus’ third voyage to the new world, and it is an excellent example of how someone can hold simialr view you YOU and also be TOTALLY wrong in their physical understanding of thr world.
Write: 1.5 Page entry: After reading the jounral, I want you to write a 1.5 page entry on the following topic: Citing specific examples from the text, explain how Christopher Columbus is like you, and also how he is different from you. Also, consider some of the specific details in this document, and explain to me why you think they are important. Post your writing directly to this page, though the comments box located at the bottom of the page. You must post BEFORE our next class meeting, not during or after. Please e-mail me if you have any problems.
Video Lecture for this class: Here you will find a three-part video lecture from this class. It may be helpful to watch these, or simply watch parts of these videos, before the next class to get a “re-cap” of the material we covered. It is not mandatory to do so, but my students generally find that it helps to touch base with the material again before they come to class. Good luck! [Videos will be up after next lecture]
[...] Wednesday, January 14 [...]
Timothy McGuire
Eh 241 Adam Crowley
Jan 14, 2009
I found this piece of literature to be an interesting glimpse at that era in history. It gives you a very personal “real life” connection that is very different than you would get from a history book. This was a very different way of presenting history. Instead of an objective analysis this was a look at that time in history from someone who was actually living it through their perspective. Even though I knew that I was going to be reading the dairy of Christopher Columbus it didn’t really strike me about what that would mean until I started reading it.
The difference in our world perspective was perhaps the most striking. Columbus had come to understand the world to be round on one side and pare shaped on the other with a raised stalk like a women’s nipple. (pg 6) This is much different then the world that I perceive today with the advances in modern technology.
In addition Columbus condones the use of violence to force other to convert to his faith say “I trust in our lord that your highness… to convert the (native people) as you have destroyed those who would not confess the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Although some may still subscribe to this intolerant view they are in the minority and most including myself would agree that religious freedom and tolerance are foundational to American values. In fact the first amendment to the constitution guarantee’s these rights.
One way that I am similar to Columbus is that I am very curious and adventures. His writing seems to have a degree of delight and excitement about what he discovers wishing that he knew more about the varieties of trees fruits and flowers that he comes across. Once saying that
“I believe that there are many trees and herbs for dyes and for medicine that are worth much in Europe; but I do not know and this causes me great sorrow.”
I can understand and relate to this. I love to learn new discoveries about the world and this is something that I think I share with Columbus. Why else would he have risked his life setting off into the unknown like that? I think his writings portray an enduring adventurous spirit that’s not all that unfamiliar to us today.
Jason Stewart
Eh 241 Adam Crowley
15 January 2009
Living in today’s society is nothing like living six hundred years ago, which is an obvious observation. Though hundreds of thousands of people cross the Atlantic Ocean today via aircraft and sea craft, Christopher Columbus’ undertaking of searching for a “new world” was unheard of in the late 15th century. A trip that takes roughly ten hours today, took months or even years in Columbus’ time. Such an undertaking can only be described as an epic journey that took a massive toll on all men that took part, physically and mentally.
In his journal Columbus mentions visiting many villages and searching them with great wonder. He however states, “I would not allow anything to be touched” (The Journal of Christopher Columbus 54). This shows his respect for other people and their belongings. I share this same quality with the ancient explorer because I believe strongly that when entering another person’s home I must respect them and all of their belongings, and to do otherwise is a very rude gesture. On the very same page of the journal he says that “I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them”, referring to the thousands of different trees he sees on the unknown islands. This is another aspect of his personality that I share with him because I feel a certain amount of sadness when I come upon something I do not know or fully understand. It is strange to think that I, a man from the 21st century, could share similar personality traits with a famous explorer from the 15th century, however it is possible. But this is where the similarities end.
After reading both passages I was shocked by the way the Spaniards manipulated the native people into getting what they wanted. Even though I have been taught for several years that Columbus and his men were not honest in their trading with the natives, it is still sickening to see how they treated the unsuspecting people. In one passage Columbus’ Admiral refuses to trade with the Indians until they presented gold, “that they might understand that he sought for nothing but gold” (64). That passage is a sign of greed coming from Columbus and his men, which is a Cardinal sin. Then after stating that he saw these inhabitants as people, Columbus boldly states, “I trust in our Lord your Highnesses will…bring so many great nations within the Church, and convert them” (72). Though I am from a very different time than Columbus, forcing ones religion upon another is still wrong, especially when Columbus was showing signs of greed.
In the second passage we find Columbus in a very different state of mind. There is one line that he makes that should be brought to attention on page seven of Reading the Roots by Michael P. Branch. “All this is attributable to the very mild climate in those regions, and this in its turn to the fact that this land stands highest on the world’s surface, being nearest to the sky, as I have said”. This line shows that Columbus’ beliefs have blinded him from reason, because he even states that many other geologists argue against his point but he refuses to believe otherwise. Though he and I share some similarities, there are many more traits and beliefs that he holds that I do not agree with.
Caleb Ashey
Major British Authors
Comparison: Columbus and Myself
I have been asked to compare myself to Christopher Columbus. Now as we both know it is hard to do so being that he has been dead for a very long time. But from his diary entries on his discovery of “The New World” I will try to come to some conclusions about his personality and the ways we are similar and the ways we are different.
While reading his entries it is obvious that he is ultimately looking for a way to become rich. Repeatedly he states that he is looking for gold and other such valuables. “According as I obtain tidings of gold or spices I shall settle what should be done.”(55 Columbus Diary). There are other such sentences in his diary explaining his search for riches. In this we are alike. I also am in search of a way to become, not necessarily rich, but financially secure. It is also obvious that he is kind and gentle. In the readings I did not notice a lot of hostility or greed. Almost everywhere they went ashore and found local villages that had been empty; they never took anything and were never aggressive with the local people. In this to we are very similar. I do not go around looking for a fight and it takes quite a bit to get me upset, as I am a very calm and relaxed person.
Our differences, I think, are a little harder to distinguish. But I will post some obvious things. For one, he is a seafaring man. And I rarely ever get on a boat. Also he is a rather free thinker. I say this because he goes against what is being told to him about the way the Earth is shaped. He believes that it is shaped like a pear. (6 Columbus Diary). I obviously know that it is round but usually I go with what someone is telling me, unless I have previous knowledge of the topic and can back up whatever statements I presume to be correct.
Now this is just a rough comparison because obviously I cant interview the man. But to be able to come to those conclusions you have to be able to take important things out of his diary. One of the most important things I think is: what is his ultimate goal? I believe that it is to make a profit. He repeatedly states he’s looking for gold, pearls, and spices. “Intended to go to the island of Cuba, where I heard of the people who were very great, and had gold, spices, merchandise, and large ships.” I also believe to be important the fact that he views the world as a pear shaped object to be important. He takes what he knows and applies it directly to what he’s trying to figure out, and by using his instruments of trade he’s able to come to a conclusion.
William Dow II
EH241.001
1/15/2008
Comparison Paper
I have been given the task to try to liken myself to the man who has been credited to be the discoverer to this country. Though that is a falsehood as how can you discover something when people are already there, but this is not the question for discussion in this paper. I have arrived at the conclusion that Christopher Columbus and I do not share many things in common. The traits we share are traits that we share with everyone. The feelings of stress and the search for wealth both physical and intellectual are traits that both Columbus and I share. We both are working for someone else. The number of differences are numerous and superficial.
The first major trait that we both share is the amount of pressure felt by both to making something out of what we have before us. Columbus trying to make his voyage a rewarding one with knowledge and physical wealth, “There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; … I bring home specimens of them, and also of the land” (Journal of Christopher Columbus 54). They where bring samples of the flora back to Spain for study. On that same page, they talk about bringing back the skin of “a serpent” which was a reptile of some sort snake or lizard. Throughout he discusses that they were after gold and spices for the king and queen of Spain. Whereas I am trying to create a successful life and career out of my metaphorical voyage through the educational system creating a vast knowledge and hoping to create financial wellbeing. This has brought me stress to perform well and must have brought stress for him as well. “Soon the wind increased, while the route was doubtful, and there was very thick weather, with rain. I ordered the foresail to be furled, and we did not make two leagues during that night” (Journal of Christopher Columbus 58). Finally we both work for someone else this is the simple one everyone does it we has not getting the gold and spices for himself they were for the king and queen of Spain. I have worked for a few people no one as important as a king or queen I did intern in a chemistry lab in high school. In one section of his journal “The same night the husband of one of the women came alongside in a canoe, who was father of the three children” (Journal of Christopher Columbus 75), he seems to have a form of compassion for his fellow human beings. Given that did kidnap the man’s wife and children but he was kind of enough to let the man come along on the trip. I share that trait of compassion also though I would not kidnap anyone.
We do have many differences he seemed to be a somewhat educated man I am on my way to being a well-educated man. A ruthless man willing to capture human beings, that I am not.
Sarah Rackliffe
EH 241
Adam Crowley
January 15, 2009
Comparison to Christopher Columbus
Considering the comparison of a man from the 1451 and I is a difficult question. When I began to read the diary my first reaction was laughter. The more I read I started to realize my one similarity with this man. The only comparison I could come up with is the experience of being in a place completely unlike the place you were raised.
When I read of his experiences I think of the first time I traveled to the island Curasol located in the Caribbean. During the day time I was in the little town of Searsport Maine, by night time I was in the Caribbean islands. When I first woke it was the first time I saw this island in the daylight. The houses, people, language was nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. While my experience was completely different from Christopher Columbus’s experience I feel that there were some small similarities.
One similarity that comes to mind would be the difficulty of not understanding the native language. Obviously, people of the new world did not speak English. Columbus mentions in his diary that the natives were beginning to understand a little of the English, “He sent two boats on shore to a village to communicate, and one of the Indians he had brought with him, for now they understood a little” (The Journal of Christopher Columbus 61). One other similarity that I noticed is witnessing the beauty of a place I’ve never seen before, “he says that this island is the most beautiful that eyes have seen” (60). Obviously since I had the advantage of seen the island I was traveling to in pictures and videos my experience was not exactly the same as his.
I believe one of the big differences between Christopher Columbus and I is our sense of adventure. If I was given the chance that Christopher Columbus got, to venture out to a new world, I probably wouldn’t be so apt to take it.
One part in the Journal that really stood out to me is a entry in the beginning of the first reading, “after breakfast I went on shore, and found only one house, in which there was no one, and I supposed they fled from fear, because all their property was left in the house. I would not allow anything to be touched.” (54) While this passage shows respect for the native people, I feel that Columbus and his men were not at all respecting of them. They took advantage of them by unfairly trading with them and forcing their religion upon them. “Knowing the language, they would all turn Christian” (71) I feel at this point Columbus is not a heartless man but did not respect the people and their beliefs.
As I read the readings from Christopher Columbus’ journal entries, I saw some aspects of his character that were a lot similar to me, as well as some that were quite different from me. I also found a few points that were interesting to me and seemed important aspects.
One of the points that were interesting to me was when Christopher Columbus would not allow any of the natives’ possessions to be touched, as it said on page 54 from the entry Sunday, 21st of October. These natives had apparently fled and left all of their things behind in their homes. Later on in the journal, Columbus says, on page 55 from the same entry, that a few of the natives got brave and confronted him. Soon, many more of the natives became comfortable around Columbus and the others, and they gave assistance and thought of the men to be “heaven-sent”. I found this to be an interesting aspect of this period in history because of other readings that I had done. I have come into contact with stories and accounts of how badly the natives were treated. However, as far as this account goes, Christopher Columbus seemed to treat the natives very well. He seemed to know that they could give him some assistance and he treated them as fellow human beings, rather than animals.
One other point that I thought to be important was when Columbus says that he took seven females and 3 children from the natives as companions for the men who agreed to go to Spain with Columbus on his return trip, as said on page 75 from the entry Monday, 12th of November. I found this to be rather surprising because of the way he seemed to treat the natives. He seemed to have some form of respect for the natives, but then he turns around and forces women and children to follow him to Spain. These two points are opposites of each other. Therefore, I found them to be interesting and fairly important.
Columbus and I have a few aspects in common with each other. First of all, he thought the world to be spherical, as was stated in Narrative of the Third Voyage on page 6. This is now known to be a true fact, although back then it was not yet proven. Secondly, Columbus decided that it was not right for the natives’ possessions to be disturbed, even if they were seemingly not around. I would agree fully with this decision. A person’s property should be there property, whether they are standing right beside it or not. One final aspect is that Columbus seemed to be a cautious person. He refrained from sailing in conditions which he thought were not suitable, such as not enough wind and darkness. I would be the same way; very cautious, especially when it comes to positions such as sailing.
Christopher Columbus and I also have some aspects of ourselves that are quite different. One of the first things I noticed was that Columbus must have had a strong sense of adventure to partake in these voyages to begin with. I am certainly not an adventurous person by any means. Another difference between us is that he trusted others almost entirely to get him to his destinations. He even relied on natives, who would seem to know the areas much better, but are complete strangers to him. I would not be able to rely solely on others in such a way. I like to be in control of my own outcomes rather than having to put my complete trust in others. Lastly, Columbus thought that the world was similar to the shape of a pear, as was said on page 6 of Narrative of the Third Voyage. This is clearly not the case, as has been proven. Therefore, this is a major difference between Columbus’ view of the world and our view of the world today.
Lisa Randall
EH 241 Adam Crowley
January 16, 2009
Columbus Journal Readings
When reading the journal entries writing by Columbus, it seemed to me that the explorers at that time were only after more ways to make money and obtain valuable things, such as on page 54 of the first voyage when Columbus writes “There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; and I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them; for I am well assured that they are all valuable.” Although I can understand how Columbus might have felt at not knowing what the trees were, as I also like to know things that I do not know when it seems important to know them.
On page 56 of the first voyage, Columbus writes “It is better to go where there is great entertainment, so I say that it is not reasonable to wait.” Although I’m sure that Columbus didn’t mean for this to sound as if he was bored and wanted to move on to newer things to keep his interest, but it did to me. Going to a ‘new world’ is exciting and all, but I don’t understand why he was in such a hurry to discover new land when he could have stayed at the islands just a few days longer and discovered more about the trees and other things that he didn’t know much about.
The natives of the land they were in believed for some time that they had come down from heaven to them, as written on page 69-70 of the first voyage, “And the people touched them, kissing their hands and feet, marveling and believing that they came from heaven.” I can understand how the natives would think that, as Columbus and his crew mates were probably the only other people the natives have ever seen outside of the island and that traveled in big boats on the sea. Weather Columbus saw this or not, I’m sure that he liked the good behavior of the people, because he doesn’t strike me as the kind of person to use violence against people to get what he wants.
Although I didn’t see Columbus as being a person of bad behavior, I was surprised to read on page 75 of the first voyage that he had “seized seven women, old and young, and three children.” I didn’t see this part of Columbus’ behavior before in the reading, so I was somewhat shocked that he made people leave their homes to travel with them to teach their language to others. Although Columbus did one good act in this, when he let the father of the children join them in their travels because they were ‘consoled at being with one who is a relation of them all.’
Brian
Major British Writers
Journal Entry 1
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus and I have some similar characteristics but in most ways we are extremely different. In the excerpt from his first journal, he is exploring the islands close to what he believes in Cuba. He and his men are fascinated with what they have found and have gone ashore to many of the islands becoming astonished with what they have found. Columbus comments on the trees,insects,serpents (Iguana), and how he wishes he could know the names of all these things because he has never seen anything like them before in his life. Through out the his journal he mentions that he is in search of gold, spices and other things that could make him rich. “without a doubt,there is a vast commodity of gold in these islands,they do not speak without reason, that they dig up the gold out of the ground and wear it on their faces,arms and legs.” (Pg. 73).
Here I am not like Columbus. Although he is exploring the islands and places he has never seen before, which I would like to do also, he seems he is just concerned with finding things that could make him rich. I am not like that. He comments in his journal that he orders the men to not to touch anything, and leave the huts (where the Indians live) alone by not stealing anything. I feel from his writing tat he is the kind of man that would change his orders in a second if they found gold in these villages. I think at first he is scared of these villagers and does not want to upset them because he and his men are greatly out numbered. Once he and his men gain the trust of the indians I think it would have been a different story.
To better my argument that Columbus could become violent towards the natives of these islands are his own words and one of his journal titles “Kidnapping the Natives”. (pg. 76) Columbus orders men, women and children to be detained to be brought back to Portugal. He is doing this so people in Portugal can study and learn their language. I just find this wrong and ignorant. Kidnapping people from their homeland and bringing them to a world they have never seen before is ignorant. Columbus is just using these people as “specimens” to better his own agenda and society.
After reading his journals I realize that Columbus was nothing like what we were taught in school. We were taught that he was a hero and discovered the “New World” and nothing else. Here we discover from his own diaries that he was a very different man and nothing more than a conquerer in search of riches.
Gavin Kennedy
Eh 241 Adam Crowley
Jan 14, 2009
I have never before read a journal from Christopher Columbus, or any journal for that matter. I found it to be a very interesting glimpse into the life and times that he experienced while on his first voyage to the “New World.” It truly must have be an enthralling and exciting adventure to partake in, as I can only imagine, never having been outside of North America. I found it difficult at first to find differences or likenesses between Christopher Columbus and I, seeing as we are from very different times and places. But I pushed on and found a few.
The first similarity that jumped out at me was that he was very taken aback by the scenery and wildlife; “The songs of the birds were so pleasant that it seemed as if a man could never wish to leave the place (p54).” It seems as though he enjoys adventure and the outdoors as much as I do, if not more so. I have always tried to belong to the outdoors as much as I possibly can, and I find that during winter I get very sad and feel as though there is something missing. He must have a great sense of adventure, because without one he would have never wanted to journey across a treacherous ocean and into lands unknown. I too am very adventurous, often trekking into the words with no idea where I am going in hopes to find something undiscovered to at least my own eyes.
Christopher also seems to have honor, at least in some sense. He is also insistent on never stealing a single item from the natives and tried to assure that his men do not barter by themselves as to take advantage of their “godly” status; “He gave orders that nothing in the houses should be touched, and so it was done(p60).” It seemed, although misguided, that he would have liked the natives converted to Christianity. I can at least see where he would want this, if he truly believed their souls in peril, I just don’t agree with converting using violence.
One difference I have found, with most people in the world today too, is that I am not very ambitious for financial wealth. I have never been financially very secure and never really wish to be either. It seems that the search for gold and riches was most paramount. I personally would have just walked around and explored this rich new land, trying to take in as much as I could. I find pleasure in more simple things.
I would imagine being found to be gods would get to some people. I found it nice that he didn’t try to abuse this “power” when he could have easily done so. It goes to show another point where him and I are alike, as I would not so easily want to abuse such a power. It would seem that this journal does not mesh that well with my last history class that seemed to preach only about him and his men taking advantage of the native people, but, this being a personal account and only the first voyage there is much time for things to turn sour.
One thing I found to be almost comical, and mildly sad, was Christopher’s view on how the world was shaped. I found it hard to picture even in my mind, it being rounded on one side and then pear shaped on the other, almost coming to a point(p6). I thought much on this and don’t very much blame him, there are things that I don’t understand, or didn’t understand, that I wouldn’t have even been able to come close to explaining, at the very least he tried. But at least he tried to best he could, as also do I when faced with such things.
Leah Gomes
EH 241
16 January 2009
Columbus and Me
As I was reading this, I was thinking about how much more of the world these people were getting to see; so much more than any of us could ever hope to see. Even with improved transportation today, we don’t get to see the wonders of the world. And Columbus and his crew got to see it all while it was still untouched by modern man.
The one thing about Christopher Columbus that I think is simliar to me, is that he was constantly in awe of the things around him. He appreciates the trees, the birds, and the waters with a passion that we often lack. I love nature and its beauties. Columbis says that “I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them”, referring to the trees and fruits, and “That I have no knowledge of these products cause me the greatest sorrow in the world,” referring to the spices (54, 57). He has a thirst for knowledge that I feel I have about certain things, though I don’t think I have ever felt “[great] sorrow” over any of them. Even though he was sent to find riches of many kinds, he did not miss other important things on his quest. He went from island to island meeting the Indians, trying to communicate with them, and learning about them. He took advantage of this opportunity and gathered a wealth of information. Columbus seemed to be smart in his journeys, keeping close record of his travels and whereabouts. His statement: “I resolved not to go in search of it during the night” seemed a very good idea to me (58). I guess that I imaging the sailors of those days to be very dangerous and fearless, so to read that Columbus tried to be careful made it seem more real, rather than just a story.
It was not hard to find something that was different between me and Columbus. Through the first several pages that we had to read, Colmbus “would not allow anything to be touched.” He and his men tried to be friendly and respectful. Then, on page 75, he is suddenly taking them away on the ships. And maybe it wasn’t with force, since these people thought that Columbus and his men had come from heaven, but it still seems very wrong to me. These men could not communicate with the sailors, and would eventually realize that they were not on their way to heaven. Columbus may have felt like he was doing the right thing, and justifying it by bringing along with the men, women and children. But, he uses the word “seized” when referring to how the women and children were obtained (75). Columbus had taken little bits of riches from each island that he had visited so far, and it seems that he saw these people as trophys and not people. He was going to bring them to the King and Queen, just as he was going to bring them a sample of the aloe he had found. I did not like him as much after I had read that.
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus and I are similar in ways such as that; he has a divine interest in learning about news cultures and land, as do I. In the text Columbus was always fascinated with the beauty of the lands he discovered, for example, he spoke of how he could get caught up for hours marveling at the sight of the land. I find other countries breathtaking as well. The people of the lands he found intrigued Christopher Columbus. He wrote of their body structures, skin tones, hair, their jewelry, and their body piercing. He was interested in learning their language. He observed their lifestyles and behaviors. I too am in interested in other languages and behaviors of foreign cultures.
Christopher Columbus and I differ form one another because, after observing the people he discovered and somewhat knowing their language he seized them. Even though he was overwhelmed with the beauty of the lands and the people, it seems as if he was more interested in finding gold. If I were to travel to new lands I would not be concerned with finding their treasures. I certainly would not seize people. I would go simply to enjoy my trip. Another difference between Columbus and I is that, he believed the world was pear-shaped. I already know that the earth is round.
Specific details Christopher Columbus always spoke of were the birds. He mentioned tropical birds quiet frequently; this proved that he was in a tropical climate. He also often mentioned the jewelry that the natives were wearing. He would explain where on their bodies they were wearing it and what it was made out of. These details were important, because it somewhat showed Columbus’ greed for gold and other things of value. Columbus also mentioned that the world was pear-shaped. He explained why he thought so. Without his theory and his explanation, we may not have discovered the world’s actual shape as soon as we did.
Benjamin McGray
EH 241 Adam Crowley
Jan 15, 2008
It is hard to imagine what our perception on world geography would be if Christopher Columbus had not discovered the pair shape of our planet, a discovery unparalleled except for Chiquita’s observation of the banana shape of the sun. Alright so the entries in the journal of Columbus have some deviations from what we would call common knowledge, however even so it provides an interesting perspective into his voyage. After reading these excerpts and considering how Columbus is like and unlike myself I found that there were some things to which I could relate, however for the most part I found vast differences between us and questions about why this man is so celebrated in today’s society.
At first it seems that Christopher Columbus is every bit like the person we were taught about during elementary school. Thus it is within the initial entries that the most relatable image of Columbus, for me, is revealed. His intentions seem passive, and focused on the exploration of the new and strange lands that he has come across. The descriptions he uses show enthusiasm towards these places. On page 54 he states, “Throughout the island all is green, and the herbage like April in Andalusia. The songs of the birds were so pleasant that it seemed as if a man could never wish to leave the place.”. This quote clearly shows Columbus in awe at the environment in which he has found himself. While I can’t specifically relate to the feeling of discovering strange new lands, I can tether my sense, or want of, adventure to these feelings. That is to say that I can relate to the desire to undertake a voyage into an unchartered sector of the planet and come across lands that are strange and mysterious.
The differences between myself and Columbus start to manifest themselves further along the text. There seems to be a transition from a man who is reverent towards the environment that he has found himself in to a man of an imposing nature towards the natives that he interacts with. Columbus starts to speak more of profits and gold, and at some points it is the driving force of his voyage, dictating which route and to which island they set sail. “He also showed them gold and pearls, on which certain old men said that there was an infinite quantity in a place called Bohio … The Admiral then determined … to depart and seek for those lands,”. In addition to being motivated by greed, Columbus also expresses the desire to convert the natives to Christianity, and this is done by kidnaping the youths and women from the villages and bringing them back to Spain in order to learn the languages and become the “mouth pieces of Christianity”.
After reading these things I conclude that while there is potential for similarities between Columbus and I, overall I found overwhelming differences. These differences were not only between the he and I, but also between the real Columbus and the Columbus fed to society. One is a greedy, oblivious conqueror of sorts, while the other is a noble and progressive explorer. One is accurate, the other is not.
There are many interesting philosophies which came from looking up at the stars at night and wondering about our place in this world. Many philosophies came from a combination of observation, mathematics and reason. Columbus’ philosophies do not seem to come from reason and mathematics, however. Instead, they seem to be derived from observation and assumption. While Columbus was very smart and indeed did have very relevant philosophies during his time (such as the world being round), his idea of the world being shaped like a pear just seems highly unlikely (since I know the world is wider at the equator) , especially when he explains his reasoning for the idea. Much like me, Columbus attempts to philosophize based on what he can observe and using what he knows to explain the observation. However, much unlike myself, he used religion to try and make his conclusions seem more relevant which may have caused past audiences to believe what he said. While in his time, religion may have seemed like law, today we know better. Today, we understand the laws of physics and science. Yet, I am not sure Columbus believed what he wrote in his journal. I believe that he may have written about the Garden in order to please his King. I also believe Columbus used God in his explanation to force the King to believe him in order to avoid being classified a heretic. I could be wrong. Of course, I also believe Columbus was blinded by religious rule during his time and could not see real truth. For this reason, Columbus may have spent the rest of his life looking for a nonexistent place in our world (the Garden), which may seem like an unfortunate waste of time. However, because of his voyages, we can say most of our current knowledge is the product of his findings. In his piece from The Narrative of the Third Voyage, Columbus says, “Not that I believe that it is possible to sail to the extreme summit or that it is covered by water, or that it is even possible to go there. For I believe the earthly Paradise lies here, which no one can enter except by God’s leave.” Here, Columbus is writing about how he believes the Garden of Eden is a place unreachable because no one shall enter it. He believes the Garden is located near his then, current location at the highest point of the ocean, where there even may not be any water. He goes on to say that in order to reach it, his ship must climb up the incline in order to get there and he believes that is highly impossible. I agree, because unlike him, I know it’s not there. I do respect the attempt to explain it, however. As I explained earlier, Columbus could only use the information that he had. He based his decisions the best way he could while following the guidelines set for him by religion. I, too, look up at the stars and wonder about all the things we do not truly understand. For instance, I can admit to myself that there is not enough evidence to prove the possibility of the Big Bang theory. That is why they call it a theory. I often look up at the stars and observe how small we are and question our relationship to the rest of the universe. I often question what comes after my life. In fact, no one has yet given me a plausible explanation. As some may have learned in physics, energy never ends, it transfers. So, questions that come to mind while looking up at the electric field of dark blues, bright twinkling whites, oranges and greens, is where will my energy go when my body ceases to perform what I tell it to? Much like Columbus, I believe in something out there. I am not as closed minded as he is, however. I believe in order for energy to transfer, it originally (most likely) had to be displaced from one original state by another form of energy. Even all our current knowledge cannot yet explain this. To those who follow me, I may look like how I see Columbus today, someone who tried to understand using what he knew, but was not even close. However, without Columbus’ and my philosophies, other people cannot form their own beliefs and therefore cannot evolve.
Kristen Porter
Major British Writers
Journal Entry 1
Jan.16th 2009
After thoroughly reading the excerpts from Christopher Columbus’s diary, I was asked to compare myself to this famous figure of the fifteenth centaury. From his small entries about the “new world” there were not many details about him, himself, but rather an observation of the way Columbus perceives this “new world”.
Exploring the first section of the journal entry, rather then finding ways we are similar, I mostly found differences. Christopher’s tone throughout the journal demonstrates greed, he is doing more than anything in his power to acquire riches from the natives rather than explore them as people. For example he makes a statement “I intended to search the island until, I had speech with the King, and seen whether or not he had the gold which I had heard” (pg. 55). Columbus has no intentions of doing anything with these people except use them for riches.
Columbus also looks at these people mainly as un-civilized savages. He mentions at one point “Many of these people came, like those of the other islands, equally naked, equally painted..” (pg 56). He does not take the time to see that these natives are actually people like him, just with different values. Columbus also questions their intelligence by saying “believing we came from heaven”(pg.56).
The only comparisons I could possibly gather is that we both have had experiences of being in a new place or “new world”, that is something totally out of the ordinary from what we are accustomed too. Also the pressures he face’s by having to gather information, and resources from these places to prove that this world is out there. It’s like any other stressor or pressure someone faces from work or school.
The way Columbus documents the land itself, the details he expresses in his diary, shows that he does see past what he really is there to obtain. He demonstrates that he sees these birds, trees, and colors all over the land.
Now that I have read and analyzed both pieces, I have tried to identify myself with Christopher Columbus. I do not think we have anything in common, he is driven by greed and looks at other human beings as un-educated savages. The things we could possibly have in common is traveling to somewhere different and new is a “new world”. His stress from work is another thing we might have in common, but his stressors just fuel his greed and ignorance.
When I first started the document, I found it difficult to compare myself to Christopher Columbus. As I was reading, I thought to myself, I wouldn’t do that, why is he doing some of the things he is doing. However, while reading I noticed similarities between him and I.
Christopher Columbus was seeing things and places for the first time. He talks about how the birds chirp, how the water looks, and how the air was soft. These are all things that I would probably be aware of and pay closer attention to if I were in a place I had never been before. Being in the place where I live and where I am all of the time, I am less likely to pay attention to the small details around me. Being in a different scenery, you notice things that you normally wouldn’t. Christopher and Columbus and I wouldn’t be alike in the way that we would both be looking at the small things not just the big picture.
In the document Columbus talks about the island of Chios. He describes the island as being a beautiful place, having a good site for a town, the harvest is worth so much and says it is the best port he has seen yet. Something I realized that I would do different is that I would have stayed at the island of Chios if it did in fact was the best port and the harvest was worth so much.
A lot of the specific details were about the scenery wherever he went. The smells, trees, what the Indians carried. For example, “the flock of parrots concealed the sun and the birds were so numerous and so many different kinds it was wonderful,” (pg. 54). I think these specific details are important because he is exploring the world, it is something he is seeing for the first time. This is why it is important to be specific about what he is seeing and the places he has been.
Ways in which I am like and not like Christopher Columbus:
Although I don’t actually know Christopher Columbus, through his readings I can see some ways in which we are alike. Columbus is first and most well known as an adventurer. I think I am a little more adventurous than most but probably not as adventurous as Columbus. Columbus had to leave everything he knew to live on a boat and explore. It seems fun enough in theory and even Columbus himself does not really complain in his journal about his situation, but it couldn’t have been all rainbows and lollipops. I admire this kind of person who can run on faith and optimism.
Of course Columbus is not known only for his adventures. As an American you are taught certain ideas about Columbus as a child. We as Americans celebrate his “discovery” every year in October. But not everyone celebrates his holiday and as you get older you realize that some people don’t celebrate Columbus at all. One of my professors, who will remain nameless, marked Columbus Day on the syllabus as “the celebration of politically motivated genocide.” I wouldn’t be quick to blame all of the new Worlds problems on Columbus but he did do some things I wouldn’t do. Columbus seems to think that he can collect the natives in the same way he collects other treasures from his travels. Some spices, some flowers, some men, women, and children. Columbus detains five men and then in a misguided attempt to make the newly detained complacent he decides to seize “seven women, old and young, and three children.” He does not specify that these women and children are in any way related to the other seized natives. This makes it seem that he does not think of the native people to be the same as himself. That is, I would not fell comforted by other random Irish/Scottish/Scandinavian people if I was seized from my home, and I don’t think Columbus would be either. This is an arrogant and selfish action and I don’t think of myself as arrogant and selfish. Sorry Columbus.