When I started reading, I thought that I could try to write my blog post as a poem after I finished…but alas I’ll try next week because that is actually really difficult. So on a technical level I am impressed by this piece!
I want to draw attention to an ironic contradiction between the religious/belief system being discussed in mainly Canto one and Canto two. I found it very interesting how there is usage of both the Christian belief and Greek mythology system during this first stage of travel. As in, its interesting how the people on the ships believe in Christ and as such reject the Muslim’s beliefs, but at the same time are being actively advocated for by characters in the Greek pantheon, such as Venus. For example, when Venus cries to her father to spare the explorers, but said explorers are actively judging Muslims simply for believing something else. I think it is an ironic representation of how sometimes belief =/ what is happening in reality. On the end of Camoes, its really interesting how he is setting both of these things to coexist in his retelling of the story. It isn’t necessarily that it doesn’t work together –but moreso the knowledge that the Christian religion so adamantly rejects anything other than Christ, and yet the Greek pantheon plays an active role in the poem.
I also found it really ironic that when they met the Sultan, they were speaking to how they were not a violent sort, and that the rumors about them were untrue. Granted, the initial shows of violence we see is in response to the hostility and plots against them. However, I just found it really ironic that they are in the first place journeying to do exactly what the rumors are claiming: which is to claim the places they land.
Finally, I found that this book reminded me of a better worded, more believable version of Columbus’ diary. Again, there was great irony in the fact that they definitely did not mean well, and yet sought to be treated well by others. For example, in Canto 4 they actually capture a black man, and yet take great pains to present themselves as well meaning (e.g.: in their time with the Sultan in Canto 3). This just goes to show that as beautifully written as it is, this is ultimately a poem with clear tones of capture and violence. Columbus’ diary sets the stage for years of violence, and this poem outlines what this violence looks like, at least in the quest for India.
So all the fear and uncertainty that they feel are all ironically framed, especially because they in no way the journey for kind reasons
Camoes says it best:
“Where malice rules, it’s natural to fear
Everyone’s motives must be similar.” (26)
Question: What do you think about the tension between the Greek Pantheon of gods and the Christian tradition?