Introduction Christopher Columbus's first letter, written in 1493, is a crucial document that reflects his initial impressions and ideas about the people, land, and resources he encountered on his first voyage to the Americas. In this letter, Columbus represents the natives, the Spanish, and the land in a particular way, which reveals his underlying motivations and intentions. Moreover, Columbus used the topic of "locus amoenus," or a "pleasant place," for political purposes, highlighting the abundance and beauty of the land and its potential for colonization. This essay will analyze Columbus's representation of the natives, the Spanish, and the land in his first letter and examine how he utilized the concept of "locus amoenus" for political purposes. Columbus's Representation of the Natives In his first letter, Columbus portrays the natives as innocent and docile, eager to please the Spanish explorers and to accept their presence. He describes them as "straightforward and honest" (Columbus, 1991, p. 46) and emphasizes their willingness to trade with the Spaniards, offering them food, water, and other resources. However, Columbus's portrayal of the natives is problematic, based on his biased perspective and lack of understanding of their culture and customs. He …show more content…
He emphasizes their bravery and determination, highlighting their successful encounters with the natives and their ability to navigate the seas. However, Columbus's representation of the Spanish is also problematic, as he downplays the violence and aggression they employed in their interactions with the natives. Instead, he refers to their conquests as "discoveries" and justifies their actions by claiming they bring civilization and Christianity to the "New World." Columbus's representation of the Spanish reveals his desire to explain their actions and secure their power and