Reading response papers - Essay Example

Hernan Cortés: from Second Letter to Charles V, 1520 IN ORDER, most potent Sire, to convey to your Majesty a just conception of the great extent of this noble city of Temixtitlan, and of the many rare and wonderful objects it contains; of the government and dominions of Moctezuma, the sovereign: of the religious rights and customs that prevail, and the order that exists in this as well as the other cities appertaining to his realm: it would require the labor of many accomplished writers, and much time for the completion of the task.

I shall not be able to relate an hundredth part of what could be told respecting these matters; but I will endeavor to describe, in the best manner in my power, what I have myself seen; and imperfectly as I may succeed in the attempt, I am fully aware that the account will appear so wonderful as to be deemed scarcely worthy of credit; since even we who have seen these things with our own eyes, are yet so amazed as to be unable to comprehend their reality. But your Majesty may be assured that if there is any fault in my relation, either in regard to the present subject, or to any other matters of which I shall give your Majesty an account, it will arise from too great brevity rather than extravagance or prolixity in the details; and it seems to me but just to my Prince and Sovereign to declare the truth in the clearest manner, without saying anything that would detract from it, or add to it.

Hernan Cortés: Depiction of Temixtitlan. Hernan Cortés’ introduction to his description of the city of Temixtitlan is designed to arouse Charles V’s interest, and to impress the monarch with the great value of the territory which the conquistador has obtained for him. Cortés’ is obviously under great need to justify his unilateral actions in Mexico and seeks to obtain the king’s sanction. His account of the treasure in the city, the marvelous architecture, the cornucopia of products available in the numerous markets, the magnificent temples, pleasure houses and palaces, the enviable water supply system, the refinement of the natives, his estimation of the extent of Moctezuma’s domain and Moctezuma’s elaborate lifestyle, are all couched in the most extravagant terms.

It is difficult to believe Cortés’ claim that his account is “the truth in the clearest manner.” The excessive length of his descriptions of everything, ranging from the produce available in the marketplace to the birds and animals in the pleasure houses, can definitely be considered to be examples of “prolixity.” Cortés is evidently keen that Charles V perceives Temixtitlan to be superior to any city in Spain. Cortés’ account of “the religious rites and customs that prevail” is also very extravagant in its barbarity.

It is difficult to reconcile this account with the earlier described refined manners of the Mexican nobles. This may be an attempt by Cortés to highlight his achievement in abolishing the rites of the natives and imposing the Christian faith on them. In short, Cortés’ introductory passage is designed to gain favor from Charles V, and is the indicator of the lengthy descriptions of Mexico which follow.