"A Journey Through Texas"

This week, one of the three narratives we read in class was titled "A Journey Through Texas", written by Cabeza de Vaca. Cabeza de Vaca writes about his explorations through Texas in 1528, as he travels along with his companions, meeting various Indian tribes. He writes about their culture, customs, and daily lives. Cabeza de Vaca mentions how they grow crops such as maize, squash and beans, and some tribes even have permanent settlements.  Some of his observations include the way one of the tribes cook their squash without even using a pot. He was interested in the type of lifestyle  the Indians led in Texas. He constantly refers to religion and God, because he knew that his story would be shown to the king and queen of Spain, who are Catholic and provide him the money for his explorations.

Throughout the narrative, the tone changes a few times. At first, it is more informative and descriptive. Cabeza de Vaca is writing about what he witnesses and experiences while spending time with the tribes. Later on, it becomes slightly angry. When Cabeza de Vaca and his companions wanted to visit another tribe, who were enemies to the current tribe they were living with, they had to send along women first who would not cause a fight. At one point when the women become hesitant, him and his companions become upset at them so they do what they want. However, the tones changes again and becomes happy. As de Vaca spends time with the new tribe, he learns about their customs, and sees that they lead comfortable lives. The narrative ends on a happy, content note.