La Relaciónby Álvar Núñez Cabez de Vaca

Literature Quiz 2

• On page 74, why does De Vaca say that

he “would have welcomed death” (lines

11-12). You may open your books.

from La Relación

INTRODUCING THE REPORT

What’s the STORY behind the GLORY?

Dreams of wealth, glory, and conquest lured adventurers to the

Americas, but few were prepared for the harsh reality that

awaited them.

from La Relación

Often, the greatest

prize of all was living

to tell the tale.

INTRODUCING THE REPORT

What’s the STORY behind the GLORY?

For every hero who claimed a fortune, there were

hundreds of others who died trying.

What enabled

some to survive

while others failed?

from La Relación

DISCUSS

In a small group, share stories you’ve read or heard that describe

a person’s struggle to survive in desperate circumstances, such as

a shipwreck, war, or a natural disaster.

Then make a list of traits that those people or characters exhibit.

Decide what qualities seem essential in a survivor.

INTRODUCING THE REPORT

What’s the STORY behind the GLORY?

from La Relación

Historical Context

When you read historical works,

you may notice statements that

seem strange or even offensive.

These remarks might be a reflection of the

work’s historical context—the ideas and

details from the author’s time that influence

the written work.

from La Relación

Historical Context

It was amazing to see these wild, untaught savages howling

like brutes in compassion for us.

While his purpose was to

communicate the experience of a

life-threatening adventure, his

account was shaped by the

culture that shaped him.

The author’s statement reflects views about Indians that most

people of his time shared.

Álva Núñez Cabeza De Vaca

from La Relación

To familiarize yourself with the

historical context of La Relación,

read the author biography and the

background information in the

Student Edition.

Then, as you read the work,

note details that reflect this

context.

Historical Context

from La Relación Discuss

• Survival of the fittest

• What caused 4 people out of 600 to survive? Luck? DIVINE

INTERVENTION?

• Do the Native Americans represent ‘Nature’ as they do in TWOATB?

• Difference in language compared to TWOATB.

• Discuss elements of RELIABILITY.

• Discuss elements of human nature and the selfishness it entails.

• Did the Native Americans HAVE to help? Didn’t they have the upper

hand? Did they have a hidden agenda?

from La Relación

Unlike a history book, La Relación is an eyewitness report. Such

primary sources give us special insight into history.

When using these

sources, consider the

intended audience, the

author’s role in events,

and where and when the

document was written.

Reading a Primary Source

from La Relación

As you read, complete a chart like the one shown. Consult the

author biography and background information as needed.

What do I know about the author and his times?

AnswersQuestions

What details tell me about life in 16th-century North

America?

What is the relationship between the author and his

audience?

Reading a Primary Source

What is the author’s role in the events he describes?

from La Relación

5. flood

The words in the box on the right help bring this

explorer’s account to life. Choose a synonym for

each word from the numbered terms.

cauterize

ingratiate

inundate

embody

cauterize

embody

ingratiate

inundate

locomotion

tarry

2. personify

3. burn

4. seek favor

6. delay tarry

1. movement

locomotion

from La Relación

cauterize v. to burn or sear to destroy diseased tissue

embody v. to represent in human form

ingratiate v. to gain another’s favor by deliberate effort

inundate v. to cover with water; to overwhelm

locomotion n. the power to move from place to place

tarry v. to delay

from La Relación Homework

• Short story assigned, 3 pages. Due on

next literature day. Write a mythical story

based on the creation of humans that is

similar to The World on A Turtle’s World. A

story that includes the same mythical

elements as those present in the text.