Reading response papers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Reading response papers - Essay Example ecting these matters; but I will endeavor to describe, in the best manner in my power, what I have myself seen; and imperfectly as I may succeed in the attempt, I am fully aware that the account will appear so wonderful as to be deemed scarcely worthy of credit; since even we who have seen these things with our own eyes, are yet so amazed as to be unable to comprehend their reality. But your Majesty may be assured that if there is any fault in my relation, either in regard to the present subject, or to any other matters of which I shall give your Majesty an account, it will arise from too great brevity rather than extravagance or prolixity in the details; and it seems to me but just to my Prince and Sovereign to declare the truth in the clearest manner, without saying anything that would detract from it, or add to it. Hernan Cortà ©s’ introduction to his description of the city of Temixtitlan is designed to arouse Charles V’s interest, and to impress the monarch with the great value of the territory which the conquistador has obtained for him. Cortà ©s’ is obviously under great need to justify his unilateral actions in Mexico and seeks to obtain the king’s sanction. His account of the treasure in the city, the marvelous architecture, the cornucopia of products available in the numerous markets, the magnificent temples, pleasure houses and palaces, the enviable water supply system, the refinement of the natives, his estimation of the extent of Moctezuma’s domain and Moctezuma’s elaborate lifestyle, are all couched in the most extravagant terms. It is difficult to believe Cortà ©s’ claim that his account is â€Å"the truth in the clearest manner.† The excessive length of his descriptions of everything, ranging from the produce available in the marketplace to the birds and animals in the pleasure houses, can definitely be considered to be examples of â€Å"prolixity.† Cortà ©s is evidently keen that Charles V perceives Temixtitlan to be superior to any city