Cabeza de Vaca
from The Relation of Álvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca (1540s)
Expedition Cabeza de Vaca Karte
Introduction
The map above provides a brief overview of the route Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca took after leaving Spain in 1527. He was part of a Spanish expedition headed for Florida, but weather and other hardships (not the least of which was being abandoned by their leader), left Cabeza de Vaca stranded. For roughly eight years, Cabeza de Vaca traveled through what is now the southern United States and into Mexico. During much of this time, he was a captive of various Native American tribes, yet you may find that his description of his captivity is markedly different from those offered by John Smith or Mary Rowlandson. Cabeza de Vaca recounts these experiences in his The Relation of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. The text can be approached in many ways: as a travel narrative, as an historical document, as a captivity narrative, as a testimony, and also as an appeal on behalf of Native Americans. He begins with a dedication to the Emperor Charles V, and it may be helpful to you to consider how this dedication works. In other words, think about how and why Cabeza de Vaca might begin his text in such a way, and how that might influence the ways that he constructs the narrative, as well as how he positions himself with respect to his audience.
Discussion Questions
- Consider how Cabeza de Vaca positions himself in the narrative. How does he present himself to his audience? Why or how might this positioning be significant?
- How does Cabeza de Vaca depict the “New World”? How does he depict the native inhabitants? What do you make of these depictions?
- How does Cabeza de Vaca depict the Spanish explorers? How does he describe the interaction between the Spanish and the Native Americans? What do you make of these depictions?
- Consider Cabeza de Vaca’s narrative alongside other captivity narratives. How does his presentation of his captivity compare to the way other captives, such as Mary Rowlandson, have described their experiences?
Prologue
Sacred Caesarian Catholic Majesty:
Among the many who have held sway, I think no prince can be found whose service has been attended with the ardor and emulation shown for that of your Highness at this time. The inducement is evident and powerful : men do not pursue together the same career without motive, and strangers are observed to strive with those who are equally impelled by religion and loyalty. Although ambition and love of action are common to all, as to the advantages that each may gain, there are great inequalities of fortune, the result not of conduct, but only accident, nor caused by the fault of any one, but coming in the providence of God and solely by His will. Hence to one arises deeds more signal than he thought to achieve; to another the opposite in every way occurs, so that he can show no higher proof of purpose than his effort, and at times even this is so concealed that it cannot of itself ap