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Analysis of Columbus’ Letter of Discovery

Letter of Discovery by Christopher Columbus was written in 1493, and it serves as the

basis document for European exploration. The letter is an account of his experiences when he

reached the New World. It provides a vivid image of the beautiful landscapes, generous and

welcoming native people, and the unyielding commitment to serve the Spanish monarchs.

However, a deep analysis of his narration indicates the use of Eurocentrism lens in the

interpretation of the land and the people of the New World. Therefore, the essay analyzes

Columbus’s perspectives regarding land a resource that is ripe for exploitation, perceives the

natives through a utilitarian and paternalistic lens, exposes his religious and imperialistic

motivations, and implements actions that are a reflection of these underlying values. When

considered holistically, Columbus’s letter is a demonstration of intersection of exploration,

conquest, and the commodification of the Americas.

In the letter, Columbus considered the newly discovered land as beautiful, paradisiacal,

and full of untapped resources. Therefore, he views the New World land as a resource that is

ready and perfect for exploitation. Columbus marvels at the fertile lands, which he also refers to

as evergreen. He notes that “The sierras and mountains, the plains and arable lands and pastures,

are so lovely and rich for planting and sowing, for breeding cattle of every kind, for building

towns and villages” (Columbus 46). His description of the landscape not only serves the purpose
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of romanticizing it but also indicates his view of the land as a commodity. He considers the land

as filled with untapped resources that need to be exploited for the benefit of the Europeans. The

majestic descriptions contained in the letter served two purposes, including enticing the Spanish

monarchs with an opportunity of economic gain and to frame the land as a valuable resource that

can be used by the Europeans for productivity and settlement purposes. Columbus was impressed

by the landscape and wanted the Europeans to seize the opportunity and exploit it. His depiction

of the land in the letter is aligned with European imperialistic goals. Columbus describes the land

as a suitable garden that can be used profitably by the settlers, hence sets a stage for colonization.

His wonderful description of the land differs significantly to his dehumanizing view of the

indigenous people inhabiting the land.

Columbus presents the indigenous people as both exploitable and innocent. His

description is meant to emphasize their perceived simplicity and naivety that is used for

justification of subjugation. Columbus notes that “It is true that, after they have been reassured

and have lost their fear, they are so guileless and so generous with all they possess, that no one

would believe it who has not seen it” (Columbus 47). The language used by Columbus is callous

since it expresses the indigenous people’s generosity while at the same time admitting that such

traits make them vulnerable. Therefore, their simplicity and generosity are admirable qualities

because it makes it easy for the Europeans to exploit their resources to benefit themselves. The

description provided by Columbus is not simply an observation but a revelation of his intentions

to exploit the perceived weakness. His Eurocentric belief is further emphasized by his frequent

references to the natives’ potential to become Christians. Columbus believes that the European

religion and culture is superior to the indigenous people’s culture. Columbus has reduced the

indigenous people to being a symbol of receptiveness and docility thus laying a basis for their
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exploitation under the pretext of cultural and spiritual enlightenment. Such a perspective directly

indicates the purposes that he has expressed in the letter.

Columbus’s letter expresses the dual purpose of movement into the New World, including

religious evangelization and imperial expansion. In fact, he frames his discovery as politically

advantageous and divinely ordained. The Europeans intended to use Christianity to appeal to the

natives of the New World after which they would resort to exploitation of their land resources.

Among Columbus’s initial aims is to secure the patronage of Ferdinand and Isabella. Columbus

captures his initial intentions by observing that “To the first island which I found I gave the name

San Salvador, in remembrance of the Divine Majesty” (Columbus 45). Apart from renaming the

island, he associates it with divine favor. His intention is to reinforce the belief that the voyages

he makes to the New World are intended to spread Christianity. In addition, he notes that the

place could lead to the acquisition of vast material wealth by saying that “In this island, there are

many spices and great mines of gold and of other metals” (Columbus 47). The broader European

motivation to moving into the New World is thus exploration with an intention to economically

benefit from the resources. However, Columbus repeatedly mentions his mission to spread

Christianity, thus revealing the intertwined nature of the imperialistic and religious goals. He has

an intention of converting them to their holy faith of love. The assertion reveals his Eurocentric

inclinations. Columbus letter can be perceived as a tool of persuasion that is intended to secure

additional support while he aligns his actions with material and spiritual aims. The purposes

become overt through his immediate actions when he arrived into the New World.

Columbus actions after he arrives into the New World are a reflection of his perception of

ownership, how he considers the indigenous people and their resources, and his expanded

imperialistic ambitions. His initial actions upon arrival include claiming the land for Spain,
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renaming the islands, and then planting flags. Columbus seeks to take possession of the New

World as is revealed in his assertion of European dominion. He observes that, “although of all I

have taken possession for their highnesses and all are more richly endowed than I know how, or

am able, to say, and I hold them all for their highnesses” (Columbus 49). Columbus fails to

consider that the land belongs to the natives that he finds living in the land. His intentions are

further revealed in his relationship and interactions with the Indigenous peoples. Columbus

captures several natives and took them to Spain with an intention in assimilating them into their

Spanish culture. Columbus wants them to learn their language. It implies that the Indigenous

peoples are not considered as human beings with rights but objects that can be captured and

transformed by the Europeans to suit their intentions. Therefore, the long-term vision of the

Europeans is to transform them to suit their interests, whether as laborers, converts, or symbols

of conquest. Columbus does not display force in his initial voyages to the New World. It is a

strategic move that is aimed at fostering goodwill. The calculated move or benevolent approach

seeks to secure dominance through diplomacy before they eventually resort to domination and

violence. Therefore, Columbus entered the New World with a calculated intention of initially

fostering goodwill through religious missions, though his claims of benevolence were meant to

serve his imperialistic ends. The actions are evident in his entire letter, which provides a cohesive

basis of his narrative that is designed to legitimize his efforts.

In conclusion, Columbus’s Letter of Discovery is a revelation of the Eurocentric

perspectives that dominated and defined the early exploration and colonization. Columbus

provides a romantic depiction of the landscape in the New World by describing it as an untapped

paradise. He also presents a paternalistic view of the Indigenous peoples while also articulating

religious and imperialistic goals. All these actions and perceptions are a reflection of the values
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and priorities of the 15th-century Europe. Additionally, the actions that Columbus displays upon

entering the New World illustrate a calculated strategy meant to assert dominance while his

findings are presented as both materially lucrative and divinely ordained. An analysis of

Columbus’s views from the perspective helps in providing a better understanding of the

foundational attitudes that informed the European conquest of the Americas. Therefore, the letter

is not just a historical document but also a manifesto that illustrates the exploitative nature of the

Europeans that was masked in the language of discovery and faith.

Works Cited

Columbus, Christopher. Letter of Discovery. 1493.