SOAPTONE Journals of Columbus

SOAPTONE Journals of Columbus

Source  

Who wrote the document?  

Christopher Columbus

What is the author’s background/point of view?   

Christopher Columbus was an Italian that was hired by the Spanish Empire to find a trade route to China. His purpose was to find riches and spices.

Whose point of view, given the topic, is
missing?  

The Natives.

Do you consider the source a reliable one on this topic?  Why/why not?  

No, because he, Columbus, was bias. He was greedy and looking for riches therefore he exaggerated the glory of what he found because he actually didn’t find anything.

Occasion  

When was the document written?  

1492,

What does the date of the document tell you about its content?  

It was during Christopher Columbus’s first attempt at discovering the Americas

What other historical events were going on during this time? 

Spain was united by Ferdinand and Isabella marrying. Spain kicks out all of the Islams. The Treaty of Tordesillas happened during this time as well.

Audience  

To whom is the author writing?  

“ His highness” King Ferdinand.

What type of document is this (diary entry, personal letter, public speech,
etc.)?    

Recording notes of his trip.

Does the private/public nature of the document inform you about its content
(is the author sharing private thoughts, making a public pronouncement,
etc.)?  

The private sense of the personal notes show us that Christopher lied to his men to keep their moral up.

Purpose  
Why was the document written?  What is the purpose of the document?  

The document was written to record Columbus’s trip to the Americas. Towards the end Columbus hints that he hopes to be refunded to make a return trip; planting the seed in the readers mind to give him funding.

What is the document saying?  

The document is asking for money for a return trip.

Tone

What is the attitude of the speaker?

Doubtful in the beginning that soon turns into overly optimistic when land is discovered.