German Magazines

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Columbus and the "Discovery" of the "New World"

Analysing the topic in two German popular history magazines

 

How is Columbus and the "discovery" of the "New World" presented in selected German popular history magazines? In the following, abstracts from the history magazine "GEO-EPOCHE. The Magazine for History. The Age of Discoverers“ (2007) and "G/Geschichte. People, Events, Epochs: Departure into a New World. Columbus and the Age of Discoverers” (2006) are considered more closely.

The selected German magazine articles are used for illustrative purposes. Whoever is interested in the depiction of Columbus in Spanish, Polish, English and Swedish magazines may apply the following questions to the respective materials.


Tasks

1

 

What do you think about Columbus?

a. Consider: In your opinion, is Columbus a hero or even a role model? Exchange your views with your partner. Write down your thoughts.

b. Consider: What influenced your view of Columbus? (i.e.: books, films, historic novels, …)

2

 

Analysing a German magazine article about Columbus

a. Read the article "Columbus discovers a new world. Dreamland Ahoy!" from the Magazine "G/Geschichte" and take notes. Pay particular attention to the character traits assigned to Columbus.

b. There are more people mentioned in the article. How do they perceive Columbus and his "journey to India"?

c. What position, do you think, would have been your own in that situation? Discuss this topic.

3

 

Analysing the editorial of a German magazine about Columbus

Read "Editorial: Departure into the Uncertain, Return from the Unknown" from "G/Geschichte". How is Columbus presented here? Consider the following quote for your answer: "He didn't know where the journey would take him. He didn't know where he was when he was there. And when he returned, he didn't know where he had been – and all that on borrowed money!".

Compare your findings with the article.

4

 

Comparing the depiction of Columbus in the magazine and in the textbook

Compare the image of Columbus which is created in your textbook with the characteristic traits ascribed to him in the magazine. How is Columbus depicted in your textbook and how is he judged there? Explain why.

5

 

Assessing the different depictions of Columbus

a. Discuss with your neighbour which view (textbook text, magazine article or editorial) is more appealing to you personally. Explain why.

b. Consider: Why does the article do without a differentiated presentation despite the critical approach of the topic "Columbus" in the editorial? Explain your thoughts.
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Tasks

1

 

What do you think about Columbus?

a. Consider: In your opinion, is Columbus a hero or even a role model? Exchange your views with your partner. Write down your thoughts.

b. Consider: What influenced your view of Columbus? (i.e.: books, films, historic novels, …)

2

 

Analysing a German magazine article about Columbus

a. Read the article "Columbus discovers a new world. Dreamland Ahoy!" from the Magazine "G/Geschichte" and take notes. Pay particular attention to the character traits assigned to Columbus..

The text mentions persistence, endurance and assuredness as some of Columbus' characteristics ("For years, Columbus had been struggling...", p.15). The article introduces him in a moment of doubt, which makes the subsequent triumph appear even greater. In the broadest sense, the article adheres to the dramaturgy of the "expedition", which Columbus himself created in his log book. Excerpts from his log book could therefore also be consulted.

b. There are more people mentioned in the article. How do they perceive Columbus and his "journey to India"?

Martin Alonso Pinzón, Captain of the "Pinta"

- criticises Columbus, because he shows doubts concerning the route. He openly declares himself against Columbus ("...Pinzón wanted to head right back to the west; Columbus rejected this proposal." p. 15)

The crew:

- many criticise Columbus, because they believe in the old conception of the world and are afraid of falling off the disc. ("Many of them believed it was a voyage into perdition. Others were still convinced that the earth was flat and one could fall off the edge." p. 16)

- Others criticised Columbus, because they were scared of never returning to their homes due to strong trade winds ("...The seamen believe that it will never turn to bring them back to Spain." p. 15).

- Yet again others are disappointed about the course of the journey ("All the greater was their disappointment when it turned out to be a false report 'it was nothing but little clouds.'" p. 15)

- Some were drawn to the adventure. Consequently, they had a positive outlook on the expedition ("Luckily, he found some courageous seamen who were lured by the adventure.” p.16)

c. What position, do you think, would have been your own in that situation? Discuss this topic.

 

3

 

Analysing the editorial of a German magazine about Columbus

Read "Editorial: Departure into the Uncertain, Return from the Unknown" from "G/Geschichte". How is Columbus presented here? Consider the following quote for your answer: "He didn't know where the journey would take him. He didn't know where he was when he was there. And when he returned, he didn't know where he had been – and all that on borrowed money!".

Columbus is presented as self-confident and sure of himself ("obsessed assuredness to be on the right way..."). Furthermore, he is described as stubborn ("However, Columbus' self-certitude – which, according to written records must have been nerve-racking – ...”) and later also as filled with bitterness ("…filled his last years with bitterness..."). More important, however, is the fact that the introductory quote attributes ignorance to Columbus ("He didn't know where the journey would take him. He didn't know where he was when he arrived there.")

Compare your findings with the article read before.

When reading only the article, Columbus appears as a superior even though temporarily doubting hero despite the mutinous crew. The editorial, in contrast, adds aspects of intransigence, which makes Columbus' "discovery" look more like a "chance finding". His ignorance and stubbornness are also denounced in the introductory remarks.

4

 

Comparing the depiction of Columbus in the magazine and in the textbook

Compare the image of Columbus which is created in your textbook with the characteristic traits ascribed to him in the magazine. How is Columbus depicted in your textbook and how is he judged there? Try to explain why.

It can be expected that the textbook verdict of Columbus is more factual and objective, that the events are judged on a more differentiated basis, and that Columbus' characteristics play a minor part in the magazine article as well as in the editorial. As a comparison, this task could also consider a simplified version of the text concerning the "German/ Bavarian perspective".

5

 

Assessing the different depictions of Columbus

a. Discuss with your neighbour which view (textbook text, magazine article or editorial) is more appealing to you personally. Explain why.

The explanation should present the strengths and weaknesses of the respective forms of presentation.

b. Consider: Why does the article do without a differentiated presentation despite the critical approach of the topic "Columbus" in the editorial? Explain your thoughts.

A plausible answer may be that a too complex presentation may ask too much of the readers, and the article is rather supposed to be an exciting and entertaining read. A further reason may be that other articles already approach the topic in the shape of a critical discussion. Presumptions can be made with the help of the list of contents.


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