Glossary
Asíndeton
The omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence, often used to create a sense of urgency, speed, or to emphasize the individual elements in a list.
Example:
The passage uses asíndeton to convey the chaos of the battle: 'They fought, they bled, they fell, they died,' creating a rapid, impactful rhythm.
Aztec Empire
A powerful Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, known for its advanced society, complex religious practices, and capital city of Tenochtitlan.
Example:
The fall of the Aztec Empire is a central focus of Visión de los vencidos, highlighting the devastating impact of the conquest on its people.
El imperialismo
A political and economic system where a powerful nation extends its authority over other countries or peoples, often through military force, economic dominance, or cultural influence.
Example:
The Spanish conquest is a stark example of el imperialismo, as it involved the subjugation and exploitation of indigenous lands and resources.
Enumeración
A literary device involving the listing of details, items, or events, often used to create a sense of accumulation, thoroughness, or overwhelming quantity.
Example:
The poem uses enumeración to list the many losses suffered by the Mexica people, from their temples to their sacred texts, emphasizing the totality of their destruction.
Eurocentric Narratives
Historical or cultural accounts that primarily focus on European experiences, values, and perspectives, often marginalizing or misrepresenting non-European cultures.
Example:
León-Portilla's work directly challenges the Eurocentric narratives that traditionally dominated the history of the Spanish conquest.
Indigenous Perspective
A viewpoint that prioritizes the experiences, beliefs, and interpretations of native or aboriginal peoples, often in contrast to dominant or colonial narratives.
Example:
Visión de los vencidos is groundbreaking because it offers an indigenous perspective on the conquest, challenging centuries of Eurocentric accounts.
La trayectoria y la transformación
A literary theme that examines the path or development of a character, society, or idea over time, focusing on significant changes, declines, or evolutions.
Example:
The narrative traces la trayectoria y la transformación of the Mexica civilization from a thriving empire to a conquered people, highlighting their profound loss.
Mexica
The Nahuatl-speaking indigenous people who founded Tenochtitlan and formed the core of the Aztec Empire, often used interchangeably with 'Aztec'.
Example:
The resilience and suffering of the Mexica people are central to the emotional impact of Visión de los vencidos.
Miguel León-Portilla
A prominent Mexican anthropologist and historian known for his extensive work on Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Nahuatl-speaking peoples. He compiled *Visión de los vencidos* to present indigenous accounts of the Spanish conquest.
Example:
Thanks to scholars like Miguel León-Portilla, we have access to invaluable primary sources that challenge traditional historical narratives.
Nahuatl
The Uto-Aztecan language spoken by the Nahua people, including the Aztecs, which was the dominant language in central Mexico before the Spanish conquest and is still spoken today.
Example:
Many of the original indigenous accounts collected in Visión de los vencidos were written in Nahuatl using the Latin alphabet.
Narrador testigo
A narrative voice that observes and recounts events from a first-hand perspective, often emphasizing personal experience and emotional impact rather than objective historical analysis.
Example:
The use of a narrador testigo in Visión de los vencidos allows readers to experience the conquest through the eyes of the indigenous people, making their suffering palpable.
Narratorio
A literary approach that blends elements of storytelling with historical narration, often used to convey complex historical events through a more engaging and personal lens.
Example:
The text employs a narratorio style, weaving together personal testimonies and historical facts to create a compelling account of the conquest.
Polisíndeton
The repetition of conjunctions (like 'and' or 'or') in close succession, often used to create a sense of emphasis, rhythm, or to convey a feeling of overwhelming abundance or continuous action.
Example:
The poet used polisíndeton to describe the endless battles and the constant fear and the relentless hunger, highlighting the prolonged suffering.
Sociedades en contacto
A literary theme that explores the interactions, clashes, and transformations that occur when different cultures or societies meet, often focusing on power dynamics and cultural exchange.
Example:
The theme of sociedades en contacto is central to Visión de los vencidos, illustrating the devastating consequences when Spanish and Aztec cultures collided.
Spanish Conquest of Mexico
The historical period in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, invaded and subsequently overthrew the Aztec Empire, leading to profound cultural and societal changes.
Example:
The Spanish Conquest of Mexico marked a pivotal moment in world history, forever altering the trajectory of both European and Mesoamerican civilizations.
Tenochtitlan
The magnificent capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco, which was a major center of trade, culture, and political power before its destruction by the Spanish.
Example:
The descriptions of the siege of Tenochtitlan in indigenous accounts reveal the immense suffering endured by its inhabitants.