Kevin Iskandar

HIST 7A
Prof Daehwan Lee
Document Interpretation 1: The Other

The document titled Montezumas Greeting to Hernan Cortes informs the reader about Spanish
Hernan Cortes initial meeting with King Moctezuma as he enters the capital city of Aztec,
Tenochtitlan, in 1519. At the beginning of the letter, we can tell that Cortes is delighted and
proud of his discovery. For instance, Hernan Cortes describes the street to be very wide and
beautiful. This indirectly gives a hint to the reader that Cortes might have a different intention,
which is to conquer the Aztec empire.

Upon the arrival of the Europeans, King Moctezuma does not seem to show any fear. Instead, he
tries to greet the visitor respectfully with his two hundred lords that are dressed in different
costumes. His sign of respect is also shown by the two elegant necklaces that he gives as a gift
to Cortes. Despite being very welcoming, King Moctezuma initially still considers himself to be
more superior. This is depicted by the guards attempt to stop Cortes from touching the powerful
King. Towards the end of letter, it is noticeable that King Moctezuma begins to address Cortes as
equal. He even offers Cortes all of his golds and many other possessions. The reason behind
King Moctezumas action is because he seems to explain the appearance of these strangers
as a part of his prophecy. According to Aztecs stories and beliefs, they are just foreigners in this
place they are living right now. One day, the chief would return and regain his deserved throne.
Thus, returning his possessions is like fulfilling the prophecy. Due to the different beliefs and
traditions, it is unquestionably beneficial for Cortes since it makes it easier for him to conquer
the land. The behavior of King Moctezuma might be surprising for some readers because he is
very gullible and get convinced so easily. Moctezuma instantaneously believes that Cortes is sent
by the ruler that they left before and now returning to take over them.

This document is related to the concept of Other that we have learned previously this week.
The Other is demonstrated where Cortes is able to take over King Moctezumas empire by
utilizing extremely opposite beliefs. According to the Chapter 1: Lecture on Canvas module,
the concept of Other is derived from the structualist theory which states that the world is
constructed through language by use of polar opposites. After reading the document, the reader
can recognize that Aztecs and Europeans have their own set traditions and beliefs. In this
context, they are polar opposites. Cortes desire is only to be able to influence and manipulate the
King to obtain his possessions. On the other hand, King Moctezuma only sees the world in a
more ritualistic and supernatural way. Therefore, Aztecs are not able give any explanation about
the Other. Once King Moctezuma is conflicted and stunned by the Other, he can only ask for
guidance from his God, since that is the only way that makes sense to him. Meanwhile, Cortes
can take over by being deceptive and manipulative to the King. This ultimately explains why the
Spanish can easily conquer Aztecs.