The story conveys the view that Balboa and the settling of the New World are bound together through statements such as "As he mo
ves, the shadow of Spain moves with him" (paragraph 3). What theme does the
story express about Balboa? What theme does it express about the New
World? How are these themes related?
1. The theme that the story "Balboa" by Sabina Murray expresses about Balboa is that of a young man of ambition, who embarked on a quest of discovery to acquire wealth and pearls.
Balboa left Spain with his dog to explore America and eventually became the first European to site the Pacific Ocean.
Balboa reasoned that he could win the favor of the Spanish king by acquiring territories for Spain.
2. The theme about the New World is that America presented an opportunity for the acquisition of enormous wealth.
The New World was a virgin territory waiting for exploration.
The original intention of Balboa, as he left Spain, was to seek gold in the New World.
3. The relationship of these two themes is connected by the potential wealth that Balboa could acquire in the New World.
The acquisition of wealth will also enable him to move up the Spanish social ladder and become a man of power.
Balboa correctly recognized that without venture there are no profits.
Thus, <em>Sabina Murray's "Balboa"</em> enables the reader to gain historical insight into the earlier attempts by Europeans to conquer America. It establishes the relationship that existed between Balboa, the Spaniards, and the Native Americans.
