Lesson 8 logo is Father Las Casas

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Lesson 8: The Indigenous Perspective and "The Defender of the Indians"

If you would like to see the full text of Lesson 8, click here.

If you would like to read the literature portion in the original Spanish side-by-side with the English translation, click here (note: this is an excellent language learning technique).

Multiple choice questions for Lesson 8 (click on the correct answer; if you are wrong, nothing happens; if you are right you will get a confirmation):

Question MC 8-1: In the Aztec poetry of the Conquest, explain the meaning of the phrase "we beat against the adobe walls".

a. It was a novel construction technique

b. It shows the despair of the defeated Aztecs

c. It was a euphemism for sacrificing prisoners

d. It was a tactic for overcoming the Spanish fortresses

Question MC 8-2: Why does Las Casas deserve the title "Defender of the Indians"?

a. It was ironic - he actually persecuted them

b. Because he discovered a cure for their diseases

c. Because he defended them against the Protestants

d. He was their champion against Spanish abuses

Short-answer questions for Lesson 5. Instructions: If you are not sure about the answer and would like a hint, click on the figure labeled "Hint".

Note: In later versions of this web site we plan to make it possible for you to type your answer directly on the web site and send it back to the instructor electronically. For the moment you might want to type your answers in a word processing program and let the instructor have them for extra credit (on paper or electronically via email to jchild@american.edu). We may also be discussing these questions orally in class, and similar questions will appear in unannounced quizes.

HINT Question 8-1: What happened to the Spaniards in the cave in Las Casas' "Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indes"?

HINT Question 8-2: Compare the treatment of the Indigenous in the works of Las Casas and Ercilla.

HINT Question 8-3: What criticisms have been made of Las Casas' "Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indes"? Are they justified?

HINT Question 8-4: What motivated Las Casas to write his "Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indes"?

HINT Question 8-5: In the Aztec poetry of the Conquest, explain the meaning of the phrase "worms swarm in the streets and the plazas".

HINT Question 8-6: How did the literature of the Indigenous perspective reach us?

HINT Question 8-7: What were the "encomiendas"?

HINT Question 8-8: What were Las Casas' views on Black slaves?

HINT Question 8-9: What happens when Enriquillo seeks justice from the Spanish authorities in Las Casas' "Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indes"?

HINT Question 8-10: Describe Enriquillo's tactics in Las Casas' "Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indes".

HINT Question 8-11: Why did the Spanish attempt to suppress Pre-Columbian literature, and how successful were they?

HINT Question 8-12: What were the "New Laws of the Indes" of 1542?

HINT Question 8-13: Why is Las Casas' crusade still relevant?

HINT Question 8-14: What is the tone of the Aztec poetry of the Conquest?

HINT Question 8-15: Does Las Casas' "Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indes" justify the rebellion of Enriquillo? Please explain.