Literature of Exploration Notes

Introduction to Literature of Exploration

  • The literature of exploration documents early interactions between European explorers and Native Americans.

  • The image "Columbus Among the Indians" symbolizes the clash of civilizations.

Analysis of the Image

  • Columbus is centrally placed, conveying a position of power.

  • European explorers are depicted in armor, asserting dominance, while Native Americans appear submissive.

  • The image prompts reflection on cultural perceptions and their artistic representations.

Key Explorers and Historical Context

  • Focus on notable figures: Columbus and Cabeza de Vaca in the first unit.

  • Timeline of significant events leading to exploration:

    • 1300: Rise of the Aztec Empire.

    • 1347: Bubonic plague begins.

    • 1492: Columbus's voyage to the New World.

    • 1579: Sir Francis Drake claims California.

    • 1585: Establishment of Saint Augustine, the first permanent European settlement.

  • Roanoke in 1584: The lost English colony presents mystery and intrigue.

    • Found abandoned in 1590 with no survivors.

  • 1607: Jamestown established as the first permanent English settlement, associated with Captain John Smith.

The Renaissance Era

  • The exploration period corresponds with the Renaissance, characterized by:

    • Rise of monarchies funding expeditions.

    • Emergence of a merchant class seeking new trade routes.

  • Understanding the motivations behind exploration: economic gain and territorial expansion.

Characteristics of Explorers as Writers

  • Authors of exploration literature were primarily navigators and adventurers, not professional writers.

    • They often struggled to describe new encounters due to a lack of vocabulary.

    • Reports aimed to inform investors, featuring a positive tone to justify funding.

    • Descriptions highlight potential wealth and resources available in the New World.

Perception of Native Americans

  • Explorers often viewed Native Americans as inferior.

  • These attitudes influenced narratives, rendering the New World as a territory for European domination.

    • This perception left a lasting impact on colonial and later American identity.

  • Understanding cultural hierarchies is crucial when analyzing these texts.

Historical Accuracy and Perspective

  • Exploration literature serves as a historical document but is often biased.

  • Authors aimed to provide intelligence for their stakeholders, with limited viewpoints.

  • Native American cultures were misrepresented or ignored, leading to colonial justification for dominance.

Law of Nations Concept

  • European explorers claimed rights to trade and spread Christianity, based on a belief that the lands were uncivilized.

  • Conquest and settlement were justified as moral imperatives.

  • Acknowledgment of the existing Native American cultures and the complexity of their societies is essential.

Active Reading Strategies

  • Engage with texts by annotating and highlighting significant passages.

  • Read authors' introductions to understand their background and perspective.

  • Look up unfamiliar vocabulary to enhance comprehension and expand knowledge.

Conclusion

  • The interplay between exploration literature and the historical context of the Renaissance offers rich material for analysis.

  • A mindset that challenges past narratives is essential for understanding the literature's impact today.