Comprehensive Analysis of the Book’s Content, Argument, and Structure
The book The Discovery and Conquest of Mexico is a firsthand account of the Conquest of Mexico written by Diaz del Castillo, who served under Cortés throughout the entire campaign. The plot of the book is centered on the descriptions of various expeditions and wars that happened during the Conquest of Mexico. The text is organized into twelve parts called ‘books,’ starting with “The Discovery” and ending with “The Siege and Fall of Mexico.” The author supports his plot by providing his own reports of all events, fights, expeditions, meetings, and processes that he and his fellows underwent during the Conquest of Mexico.
Eyewitness Perspective
While the whole book is a fascinating narrative of some of the most important expeditions, three aspects can be singled out as the most crucial: the authentic eyewitness perspective given by Diaz del Castillo, the level of detail contained in the narration, and the historical significance of the narration due to providing an explanation of the early colonial history of the Americas.
Diaz del Castillo’s role as an active participant in the Conquest of Mexico serves as an invaluable support of his narration, enabling the audience to live through the events, meet people, and experience the emotions through the eyes of a person who himself was there. The author is rather modest about his writing skills, stating that outstanding authors use “eloquence and rhetoric far beyond” his powers (Diaz del Castillo 41). However, when one starts reading the book, one cannot but notice how well-written and organized it is.
Detailed Narration
The author depicts in detail the first meetings with the Indians (47), offering a vivid depiction of their armor and clothing (48). Diaz chronicles the preparations for the expedition under Cortes (78) and how they were met by the people of Trinidad (79). When describing the arrival on March Island, the narrator gives a detailed story of how they arranged communication with the locals, including the work of interpreters and the exchange of gifts (118). Similar accounts are also given on the arrival to Mexico (242), San Juan de Ulua (350), and other occasions. It is fascinating to experience all of the meetings, exchanges, positive and negative experiences, and feasts narrated by Diaz del Castillo. Through these portrayals, the readers can grasp the main notions of the rules and manners of the past.
The author’s use of vocabulary, enriched by epithets and details, paints a vivid picture of the garments, weapons, and accessories worn by different people in the past. Along with that, Diaz creates a vivid image of sea voyaging, explaining the variety of traveling approaches, successes, and failures. The author also pays due respect to explaining the subordination between captains and soldiers, indigenous peoples’ leaders and laymen, as well as between leaders of different nations or the Aboriginal inhabitants and visitors. Diaz del Castillo’s firsthand participation in the events he is speaking about is what guarantees a high level of authenticity and offers the best understanding of people and events of the past. The narrator’s perspective offers a level of authenticity and immediacy that is inestimable for learning about the people, events, and experiences of the time.
The comprehensive and exhaustive narrative is not limited by the Conquest’s military details, investigating the complexities of the Aztec civilization and culture as well as the intricacies of interactions between the Spanish and indigenous populations. The author provides a vivid description of the grandeur of the city of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. He explains that the city is divided into two parts, which results in two religious worship centers (280). The Aztec capital is told to be composed of the great teocalli of Tenochtitlan and the “still larger and more important” teocalli of Tlaltelolco (280).
The portrayal of the city is highly poetic and creates an allusion to present-day Venice: people move around by boats and canoes (280). When providing the account of Tenochtitlan, Diaz del Castillo notes that most of the buildings in the city are not elaborate, the main emphasis being put on temples and rich citizens’ houses (281). Diaz also draws the readers’ attention to numerous gardens and flowers (282). Apart from the capital’s depiction, the author explains the premises of the Aztecs’ civilization and culture, which are most clearly seen through their religion. Diaz notes that “not a straw or a spot of dust” could be seen in the great temple’s surroundings (282).
The narrator also gives a detailed explanation of the Aztec society’s social structure, starting with the emperor, followed by nobles, commoners, and slaves. The emperor at the time of the Conquest was Moctezuma II, and Diaz describes the wealth of the ruler by both the adornments he wore and the “very rich” and “marvelous” present he gave to Cortes (275).
Yet another topic that the narrator discusses is the Aztecs’ military and warfare tactics. Frequently, in the context of battles and conflicts, Diaz mentions the types of weapons, such as macanas (obsidian-tipped weapons). For instance, when narrating the battle of Otumba, Diaz del Castillo mentions the use of macanas and lances, as well as fighting on horses (428). The author touches upon the Aztec culture and their interactions with the Spanish by mentioning some aspects of their trade and economy, such as merchandise represented by “gold, silver, and precious stones, feathers, mantles, and embroidered goods” (298).
Finally, Diaz also depicts interactions with Aztec people, such as Malinche (301) and other allies of the Spanish, through which the reader gets an insight into the diversity of Aztec society. As such, Diaz del Castillo’s work is a unique resource for comprehending the multifaceted nature of the Aztec civilization during the Conquest.
Historical Value of the Narration
Diaz del Castillo’s account holds outstanding historical significance as it contributes to contemporary people’s understanding of the early colonial history of the Americas. The author gains this goal by shedding light on the motives and deeds of Hernan Cortes, the broad context of European colonization and exploration, and the effect of the Conquest on indigenous and European societies alike. Throughout the narrative, Diaz portrays Cortes as a man and warrior who is motivated by the desire for glory and personal wealth. In the initial description of Cortes,
Diaz mentions that Cortes was one of the three men forming a partnership aimed at gaining wealth – “the spoil of gold, silver and jewels” – and sharing it between them (76). The other two were Andres de Duero and Amador de Lares, two great favorites of Diego Velasquez (76). As such, Cortes is depicted as an ambitious leader who views the Conquest of Mexico as a chance to amass riches and become famous. However, these are not the only or most prominent features Diaz emphasizes in Cortes’ figure. Cortes is presented as an extremely loyal servant of his king and country, acting in the name of the Spanish crown.
Thus, the reader can see that Cortes’ interest in the mission in Mexico is not purely self-serving. For instance, Diaz mentions how everything Cortes and his men do is dedicated to His Majesty in Spain so that he knows that all they did was done “in his royal service” (137). Apart from that, Diaz sheds light on Cortes’ quest for new territories, religious motives (spreading Christianity), and leadership qualities. The historical significance of Diaz del Castillo’s book cannot be overestimated as he provides the readers with a multifaceted view of one of the most famous and contradictory figures in the history of Spain.
Evaluation of the Book’s Contribution, Strengths, and Areas for Improvement
The author’s contribution to the historical and cultural fields is immense, as he managed to present a vivid narrative of some of the most significant periods in humanity’s historical and political developments. The strengths of the book include its clear division into parts and chapters, engaging way of narration, and discussion of rather interesting and important events and topics. What can probably be considered as a weakness is the possibility of some bias and subjectivity on the author’s side. However, taking into account that it is one of the very few firsthand reports and a very detailed and straightforward one, it is viable not to focus on the possible misconceptions. The narration might benefit from adding more pictures and maps, including the portraits of the main characters and comparisons of the old maps with current ones. Overall, the book is rightly considered to be among the most complete and trustworthy chronicles of the Conquest of Mexico.
Work Cited
Diaz del Castillo, Bernal. The Discovery and Conquest of Mexico. Edited by Genaro Garzia, translated by Alfred Percival Maudslay, Routledge, 2014 (first published in 1928).
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