Question

How does the author organize the selection to contrast the relationship between Cabeza de Vaca and the Indians at the beginning of the journey with his relationship with them at the end of the journey?

Answer 1

Answer:

At the beginning of the journey, Cabeza de Vaca's relationship was particularly negative especially with the Indian Apalachee tribe. This Indian group was mostly described as being a violent and savage group. Even Europeans have had to ‘defend themselves’ against this tribe. Cabeza de Vaca described attacks on them in a positive tone, as if he supports it.

However, Cabeza de Vaca describes attacks on other Indian groups, in a less negative tone. This clearly shows that his relationship with other Indian groups was more positive. He even described some of them as helpful and skilled people. His relationship with the Pimas and Opatas people is the most positive.

At the end of the Naufragios (Journey), Cabeza de Vaca described himself as the one that pleads for peaceful conversion of the Pimas and Opatas. He even opposes the aggressive stance of fellow Christians who wanted to enslave these Indians.

In all, this help us know that Cabeza de Vaca developed an emphatic view of the indigenous people, this obviously ‘transformed’ him from a conquistador to a missionary who protects the Indians.