Topic > Christopher Columbus' Letter: Purpose and Rhetoric

Christopher Columbus had always dreamed of sailing to Asia, but there was one obstacle: he needed financial support. At first Columbus was unable to get financing for his voyage, but then he approached the king and queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella, and they agreed. Finally, in 1492, he was able to sail from Spain to Asia. He was sure he was headed to Asia, but his plan didn't go as he had hoped. He ended up in a completely different place, even if he wasn't aware of it. A few months after his voyage, Columbus decided to write a letter to his patrons. In the letter Columbus wrote to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, he explained why and how his voyage was a success. He wanted them to know that the voyage they had financed had brought them riches and new lands as promised and encouraged them to finance future voyages; by sending the letter, he provided both relevant information about his journey and a carefully crafted persuasive argument. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay There were many reasons why Christopher Columbus wrote that first letter to Ferdinand and Isabella. Of course, he needed to let them know that he had indeed arrived and that he was able to give something back to Spain. In the letter, Columbus states: "I have discovered many islands... I have taken possession of them all for our most fortunate King...". By saying this Columbus wants the king and queen of Spain to know for sure that he had taken control of all the places he went to and was able to conquer them for Spain. In another paragraph he says: “…they may become Christians and inclined to love our King, Queen, Princes and all the people of Spain.” With this quote Columbus wants to make the King and Queen understand that he is spreading Christianity to other parts of the world and is expanding the territory of Spain by conquering new lands. He wants the King and Queen to know that Spain is leaving a mark on these people and that they will always be remembered. Another important point of the letter was to highlight that the trip was a great success, as promised and providing motivation for the future. trips. Columbus convinces the reader in this letter by stating the positive aspects of the islands he had encountered such as "numerous ports on all sides", "very wide and healthy rivers", "extremely fertile fields" and "well adapted" for the erection of buildings." . With these lines, Columbus provides evidence of his reasons for returning and how his discoveries were successful. Columbus wants to make future voyages and explore the world better. The only way he can do this is through the patronage of Ferdinand and Isabella. Without them he wouldn't even have gone anywhere. The main reason for the letter, however, is that Christopher Columbus wanted to receive credit for his discoveries and discoveries, even though Ferdinand and Isabela had already made an agreement with him. Columbus discovered much more than he thought. Although he failed to discover what the original purpose of his journey was, the direct water route from Europe to Asia; in reality he never reached Asia and was unaware of this fact. Throughout the letter, Columbus constantly mentions “I,” making it seem like he is only responsible for all the positive aspects of his voyage. Columbus wants to make a mark and make sure he receives some sort of credit for his voyage. Since all the land and most of the riches were conquered by him but are destined for Spain, the explorer Columbus will not end up with a large percentage of the finds but, by being able to take credit for his discoveries, he will make a difference. Columbus wanted to make sure that Ferdinand and Isabela weren't the only ones.