1. The Broken Spears
How does this story depict culture contact and a clash of cultures?.
While reading "The Broken Spears" by Miguel Leon-Portilla, I have come to understand the reality of what can happen when two very different cultures come in contact with each other; in this case, the Spaniards and the Aztecs. This story depicted the culture contact and the clash of cultures in such a different way than many history textbooks would. ".the victors ordinarily write history. The losers are usually silenced or, if this is impossible, they are dismissed as liars." ( pg. xi). As Portilla has stated, much of the readings have initiated from the Spanish corner. .
The story depicts the culture contact by telling this story from the Aztec point of view. Portilla also makes sure that the reader understands the way of life the Aztec people have and the respect they have for spirts of natural surroundings. ".people saw a strange wonder and took it to be an evil sign and portent." ( pg. 7 )Once the book finally gets to the point of the Spanish invasion, the book really starts to depict the difference between the two cultures. As the Spanish spy on the Aztecs, they witness many different events in which they are not used to watching, such as sacrificial gatherings. This of course is something the Spanish are not used to and would never do to themselves. This is perhaps one of many reasons why the Spanish had believed the Aztecs were barbaric and did not know much. Where as the Aztecs were doing what they were accustomed to and did what they believed was right. Because of the difference of cultures, the Spanish come to the conclusion of war. Of course the Spanish, who believe they are the powerful and smartest beings, stage war against the unsuspecting Aztecs. ".Spaniards began to wage war against us. They attacked us by land for ten days, and then their ships appeared." ( pg. 133 ). At this point, the one culture is fighting for what they believe in, to be strong and conquer, where as the other culture if fighting to stay alive.
The people are as brave as the Aztecs and they are the Aztecs" friends" Leon-Portilla, The Broken Spears p. 40. ... The messengers lost their senses and fainted away" Leon-Portilla, The Broken Spears, p. 26. ... "On the day that Tenochtitlan was taken, the Spaniards committed some of the most brutal acts ever inflicted upon the unfortunate people of the land" Leon-Portilla, The Broken Spears, p.122. ... Their bodies swelled with greed., and their hunger was ravenous; they hungered like pigs for that gold" Leon-Portilla, The Broken Spears, p.51. ...
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