Balboa Midterm 1 Notes PDF

Balboa notes Vocabulary: Pristine: original condition Protrude: extend beyond surface Provision: supplying something for use Discord: disagreement Distinction: Di erence between similarities Cede: give up control Summary: The story follows Vasco Núñez...

Balboa notes Vocabulary: Pristine: original condition Protrude: extend beyond surface Provision: supplying something for use Discord: disagreement Distinction: Di erence between similarities Cede: give up control Summary: The story follows Vasco Núñez de Balboa on his journey to discover the western waters, which he plans to name the South Sea, on September 25, 1513. Ascending a mountain alone while leaving his men behind, Balboa carries a musket as a symbol of his civilization and his fears. Throughout the climb, he grapples with his self-image, wanting to be seen as courageous but recognizing that his actions are often driven by anxiety and survival instincts. As he navigates the jungle, Balboa encounters various dangers, including a jaguar that represents the primal world he is intruding upon. His thoughts reveal a complex character who is ambitious but troubled by the brutality he has in icted upon indigenous people. A confrontation with a monk who curses him highlights the moral ambiguity of his conquests. Upon reaching the summit, Balboa nally sees the ocean but remains unaware of the impending betrayal and execution that await him in Spain due to his growing power. The story explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the con ict between civilization and the wild. Key events in the story 1. Balboa's Climb: On September 25, 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa starts climbing a mountain alone, leaving his men behind to nd the western ocean he wants to name the South Sea. 2. Struggle with Fear: As he climbs, Balboa battles with how he sees himself; he wants to be brave but often acts out of fear. 3. Encounter with the Jaguar: Balboa comes face-to-face with a jaguar in the jungle, symbolizing the dangers of the wild and his own vulnerability. 4. Thinking about Violence: Balboa remembers the brutal things he has done and the fear he creates in others, showing his inner con ict about his actions. 5. Con ict with the Monk: A monk curses Balboa, criticizing his cruelty, which highlights the different views they have on morality. 6. Finding the South Sea: When Balboa reaches the top of the mountain, he nally sees the ocean he wants to claim for Spain. 7. Foreshadowing Betrayal: Even though he feels victorious, Balboa doesn’t realize that his rise to power will lead to betrayal and danger back in Spain. 8. Downfall: The story ends by hinting at Balboa’s future execution due to the threats he poses to those in power, showing the risks of ambition and power. fl ff fl fl fi fl fi fi  Themes 1. Ambition as Sel shness: ◦ Balboa wants glory and fame, but his ambition often leads him to act sel shly, putting his own success above others. ◦ Textual Evidence: Balboa thinks, “Balboa the lion! But no, he is more of a rat,” showing his doubts about himself and his actions. 2. Colonialism and Cultural Superiority: ◦ The story shows the con ict between European colonizers and native peoples. ◦ Textual Evidence: Balboa treats the natives poorly, re ecting the common belief of superiority among colonizers. 3. Morality vs. Moral Dilemmas: ◦ Balboa faces ethical challenges about his violent actions against the indigenous people. ◦ Textual Evidence: The monk tells Balboa, “May your most evil act be visited on you,” highlighting the consequences of his ambition. Con icts 1. Internal Con ict: ◦ Balboa struggles with fear and self-doubt because of his past as a gambling pig farmer in debt. ◦ Textual Evidence: He re ects, “Balboa the lion! But no, he is more of a rat,” showing his feelings of inadequacy. 2. External Con ict: ◦ Balboa's rebellion against Enciso shows his desire for power and control. ◦ Textual Evidence: The story notes that “Balboa had organized the rebellion, supplanted the governor,” illustrating his willingness to betray others. 3. Con ict with Nature: ◦ Balboa also faces challenges from the natural world, symbolizing his struggle for survival. ◦ Textual Evidence: His encounter with a jaguar represents the dangers he faces in pursuit of his goals. Literary Techniques 1. Flashback: ◦ Balboa remembers important events from his past that shape his character. ◦ Textual Evidence: He recalls, “he was hidden on board Enciso’s ship bound for San Sebastian,” providing background on his journey. 2. Flashforward: ◦ The story hints at Balboa’s impending death, adding tension. ◦ Textual Evidence: “He knows that his death will not be long in coming,” foreshadowing his fate. 3. Allusion: fl fl fl fl fi fl fl fl fi  ◦ References to indigenous beliefs and historical gures enhance the story. ◦ Textual Evidence: Mentioning the “jaguar god” connects Balboa’s experiences to indigenous culture, while references to “Cristobal Colón" highlight cultural differences, “God of Moses” which is a religious reference an they compared it to greek mythology Symbolism Jaguars: Represent the wild challenges Balboa must face and the dangers of his ambition. Textual Evidence: The jaguar symbolizes both the physical dangers he encounters and the moral complexities of his journey. The Monk’s Curse: Represents the moral consequences of Balboa's actions. Textual Evidence: The monk’s words, “I curse you,” remind Balboa of the weight of his choices and the impact they have on others. Balboa’s Character - He is portrayed as an ambitious explorer driven by a desire for discovery and glory, whose pursuits often lead to ethical dilemmas and harsh consequences. Balboa is brave yet awed, complex, ethically questionable, and a risk-taker. fi fl