In Christopher Columbus’s “Letter of Discovery” the author provides a detailed account of the discovery of the first islands and the relationship between the Spaniards and Indians. He notes that since the plan of the serene king involves the conversion of the Indians to the Christian faith, it will be useful for him to know that most of the Indians speak the same language and understand each other well. While openly speaking about the plans of the crown, Columbus is cynical or perhaps ironic about the idea of a providential plan to spread the Christian religion in America. Columbus also explains that Indians are not idolaters, but believe that all gifts come from heaven. He describes them as kind, innocent, gullible, generous, simple-minded, non-aggressive people.
Handsome Lake’s “How America Was Discovered” presents a different perspective on the discovery of America and the subsequent decision to spread the Christian religion. First of all, the author emphasizes that Jesus Christ was crucified by white people, hinting at the absurdity of the joy of repentance for the Indians. Handsome Lake also introduces the character of a handsome man who seduces first the priest of the Queen of Spain, and then Columbus to go to America to bring their cards, money, violin, whiskey, and blood corruption. The unknown young priest refuses, seeing that this is the temptation of the devil, but Columbus agrees. Handsome Lake redefines the idea of Christianizing America and ends the story with the result that even the devil repented of giving such advice to Columbus.
Thus, these two texts are not contradictory; the authors honestly represent the intentions of Europeans towards America, although the Handsome Lake does it more grotesquely and from the position of Indians, not Europeans. At the same time, Columbus includes in his letter good wishes to the king and the blessings given by Christ to Europeans to receive a new land. Still, it is obvious to the reader that these blessings are nothing more than a figure of speech, and Columbus understands and demonstrates this.
Work Cited
Columbus, Cristopher. “Letter of discovery”. VIVA, 1493. Web.