Cabeza De Vaca Analysis

A Wise European Perspective

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca was born in 1490 in Jerez de la Frontera and passed away in 1558 (cite). He was second in command and treasurer in Narvaez’s Florida Expedition. Cabeza de Vaca writes a somewhat narrative of everything he experienced upon his arrival in the Americas. Cabeza de Vaca uses a first-person point of view to narrate his experiences sailing and meeting Native Americans. The author demonstrates how the Natives were not barbarians nor savages, by conveying the theme to help others in need. In the “Dedication” letter, Cabeza de Vaca states he is addressing his work to Emperor Charles V. Cabeza de Vaca asserts it is his responsibility to tell his experience with the “flora, fauna” and the Natives, with the purpose to ease the conquer of new lands (Cabeza de Vaca 45). He believes he must share his knowledge to aid those found in his same situation. Cabeza de Vaca states he will be truthful and that has “minimized all things”, therefore there will be no exaggeration throughout the narrative (Cabeza de Vaca 45). In the section for the Malhado way of life, Cabeza de Vaca states that “[Natives] love their offspring more than any in the world”, indicating there is no abuse towards their children, as there was in Europe at the time (Cabeza de Vaca 45). He also says that “[Natives] are

He not only discovered and conquered new land, but he also came to the realization that Native Americans were not barbarian savages as they were portrayed by other European explorers. Cabeza de Vaca shows his audience, Emperor Charles V, that Native Americans are as human as Europeans. Despite their uncivilization, Natives treat Europeans a whole lot better than how Europeans treat Natives. Cabeza de Vaca uses the idea of giving to others in need, by displaying the kindness and good-heart in the Natives he met throughout his exploration in the