The preterite tense is used to describe completed actions in the past, providing a clear timeline of events during the conquest. Example: 'Llegué a la ciudad' (I arrived at the city).

The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing actions, habitual actions, or descriptions in the past, setting the scene and providing context. Example: 'La ciudad era grande' (The city was big).

Direct object pronouns (me, te, lo, la, nos, os, los, las) are used to replace direct object nouns, making the writing more concise. Example: 'Moctezuma me recibió' (Moctezuma received me).

Reflexive verbs indicate that the subject performs the action on themselves, often used to describe daily routines or personal actions. Example: 'Yo me preparé' (I prepared myself).

'Ser' is used to describe permanent characteristics or identities, while 'estar' is used for temporary states or locations. Example: 'La ciudad es grande' (The city is big - permanent) vs. 'Yo estoy aquí' (I am here - temporary).

The subjunctive mood is used to express doubt, uncertainty, wishes, or emotions. Example: 'Dudo que sea un dios' (I doubt that he is a god).

The impersonal 'se' is used to describe actions where the subject is not specified or is irrelevant. Example: 'Se dice que...'(It is said that...).

Comparative adjectives (más...que, menos...que) are used to compare two things, while superlative adjectives (el/la más...) are used to describe the highest degree. Example: 'La ciudad es más grande que...' (The city is bigger than...) or 'Es la ciudad más grande' (It is the biggest city).

Possessive adjectives (mi, tu, su, nuestro/a, vuestro/a, su) are used to show possession or relationships. Example: 'Mi carta' (My letter).

The conditional tense is used to express what would happen under certain conditions or to make polite requests. Example: 'Yo diría...' (I would say...).

The preterite tense is used to describe completed actions in the past, often used to narrate historical events sequentially.

The imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing actions, states, or habitual actions in the past, providing background information and setting the scene.

Cortés uses direct speech to quote conversations and indirect speech to report what was said, shaping the reader's perception of events and characters.

Descriptive adjectives are used to vividly portray the Aztec cities, people, and customs, influencing the reader's impression of the New World.

Cortés uses 'usted' to address King Carlos V formally, showing respect and deference, while 'tú' is generally avoided in this context.

The subjunctive mood is used to express doubt, uncertainty, or subjectivity, reflecting Cortés' perspective and potential biases in his account.

Compound sentences are used to connect related ideas and provide a more detailed and nuanced account of the events and observations.

The passive voice is used to shift the focus from the actor to the action, often emphasizing the impact of events rather than who performed them.

Impersonal 'se' is used to make general statements or describe actions without specifying a subject, creating a sense of objectivity.

Cortés uses conditional sentences to express hypothetical situations or potential outcomes, often related to the success or failure of the conquest.

To seek wealth, glory, and spread Christianity.

They served as both historical documents and persuasive writing, aiming to justify the conquest.

It highlights the sophistication, organization, and wealth of the Aztec civilization.

The Spanish used religion as a justification for their conquest, viewing it as their duty to convert indigenous populations to Christianity.

Human sacrifice was a significant religious ritual in Aztec culture, which Cortés often highlighted, sometimes to justify Spanish intervention.

It symbolizes the clash of two distinct civilizations and the beginning of the Spanish conquest.

Initially, the Aztecs perceived Cortés and his men as foreigners, and some believed them to be gods.

The markets were centers of commerce and social interaction, showcasing the variety and abundance of goods in Aztec society.

The description of abundant natural resources emphasizes the potential wealth of the newly discovered lands, justifying Spanish interest.

Cortés details the elaborate meals, service, and attire of the Aztec elite to highlight their sophistication and wealth.