ENG 201: "Letter of Discovery"

ENG 201: "Letter of Discovery"

Molly Collins, Instructor

Poll

React to Columbus: "Letter of Discovery"

Upcoming Reading

​For Monday, 1/​31: "A Brief and True Report" pp. 87-93

Prepare: A quote (1-2 lines from the text) that stand out to you for a literary reason (style, tone, etc.) or connection to details from the informational text. ​​Specifically consider any parallels/comparison/contrast to Columbus

For Wednesday, ​2/2:

Las Casas: “From an Account, Much Abbreviated, of the Destruction of the West Indies “pp. 66- 71; Williams: Biography pp. 203-204, “From Christenings Make Not Christians” pp. 215-217 Prepare: Thoughts on theme: religious identity ​

Today's Agenda

1. General Reaction's to "Letter of Discovery"

2. ​ A few more notes from the informational text

3. Discussion of literary structure/style of "Letter of Discovery" (Quote analysis).

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General Guidelines for Close Reading with Quotes

1. What is literally happening in the text (plot/storyline, chronology of main ideas for "non-fiction" text structures) at this moment?

2. What is stylistically and thematically relevant about this specific piece of information

3. ​On a larger scale, how does is reflect the theme/significance of the text as a whole?

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Poll

You were asked to select a significant quote from the text for discussion. Which category does your selection best fit within? If other, please prepare to contribute more specifics on how we can expand today's close reading.

• Informational Text Connection/Historical Setting

• Tone

• Imagery

• Repetition

• Other

Close Reading Example

General Guidelines for Close Reading with Quotes: p. 63: Beginning of paragraph to "human flesh"

1. What is literally happening in the text (plot/storyline, chronology of main ideas for "non-fiction" text structures) at this moment? This quote is located on the last full page of the letter. Columbus transitions from discussing gender roles and a community principle of sharing to discussing the lack of "human monstrosities" and "monsters" as a comment on the lack of physical deformities or odd behaviors among inhabitants, with the exception of a flesh-eating people.

2. What is stylistically and thematically relevant about this specific piece of information. It is an example of physical characterization, which is one of the ways that Columbus shape's the public perception of the natives; It is a literary allusion to epics of influence, like Beowulf (we learn this from the informational text); it is a characterization of himself as a hero in reality and a literary hero like Beowulf; it could function as hyperbole that indirectly communicates fear of what one doesn't understand/difference. ​

3. ​On a larger scale, how does is reflect the theme/significance of the text as a whole? It marks a shift in tone and style in the text--it mirrors more of a journal entry or log and reads more fictionally than other components; though some other components might be questionable and not read as factual; it's a part of propaganda/persuasion; it adds an element of entertainment while also minimizing the threat of the natives.​