The first thing that struck me about Malitzin’s Choices was that Townsend is trying to be the best steward of history that she can possibly be. Her introduction to her book is the best I’ve read in a long time and frankly, I agree with her method of viewing history. She states: “We have no right to presume to know exactly when Malintzin had which reaction. On the other hand, we perhaps have a duty to try to understand her life well enough to be able to recognize its rich and painful and complicated possibilities.” (p. 24) Townsend clearly understands that modern historians can only interpret what they read and study and that we should be careful not to place assumptions on a character’s actions.
Rather than other author’s we’ve read this semester who have tried to glorify an individual (Prescott), denounce patriarchy (Kierner), or argue for environmental conservation (Cronon), Townsend wants to tell a story of a regular person in normal circumstances. In her story the normal circumstances are key and provide the context for the person’s life. Without understanding why Malintzin acted the way she did, we can fully understand that she acted and that her actions were a result of her personality and circumstances. We can also understand that her choices had an effect on her children and those around her.
Personally, I really enjoyed Townsend’s writing style and way of thinking. While establishing importance to a work is important and can justify why we choose to discuss certain parts and people in history, removing importance can be equally effective. Townsend has brought history alive through the regular and mundane and in that way has made Malintzin memorable and extraordinary.
No comments:
Post a Comment