Colonization

The most important and pervasive theme in The Four Voyages is that of colonization. Columbus is convinced throughout the entire journey that he is doing God's work; he is also exceedingly grateful to the Spanish sovereigns, though terrified that they will reverse their opinion of him. This attitude, which comes through not only in his letters to them but also in his log-book and letters to others, shows the precarious nature of his career as an explorer. Importantly, these chronicles also demonstrate the nuanced attitudes Columbus and the Europeans he traveled with had towards the natives of the islands that they found. While colonizers are normally depicted as evil men trying to "manifest destiny," Columbus genuinely tries to get the natives on his side. While this is mostly for his own benefit (so that they will more easily give in to his demands), he also refuses to take...