Literature in Exploration

Christopher Columbus landing in the West Indies and declaring them possessions of Spanish monarchy
Christopher Columbus with his three ships landing in the West Indies and declaring them to be the possessions of the Spanish monarchy.

American Literature as it is known today began to be recorded at the end of the 15th century and beginning of the 16th. These early writings consisted largely of explorers taking note of their discoveries and explorations for European readers back home. Many of these writers, which included the likes of Christopher Columbus, Bartolomé de las Casas, and Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, came from a variety of different backgrounds, roles in exploration, and viewpoints. This would lead their writings to understandably have very different attitudes towards what they would find, and give an in-depth look into the complex relationship that the Spaniards (or servants of Spain in Columbus’ case) had with the land they were tasked with exploring. Continue reading Literature in Exploration