Question

How different do you think Columbus's journal would have been if he had written it only for personal use and not for an audience of royal patrons? In a brief response, consider the way in which the journal would have been different had it been strictly a private record. Discuss general differences as well as specific differences in the selection you just read, and explain the reasons for the differences.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Colombus' writings show a commercial look at the discovery of the new continent. Colombo needed to show that his exploratory trips were worthwhile and deserved the monarchs' investment. For this reason, he wrote information that showed how profitable the new continent was. He describes the location for commercial purposes and would be relevant to the monarchy, but these reports would have been different if he had written the reports for personal use. In this case, Colombus would present more contemplative information and describe the new continent with the beauties and curiosities that he found both in relation to the landscape and the native peoples.