Fictionalising interpreters: traitors, lovers and liars in the conquest of America

Victoria Ríos Castaño

doi:10.52034/lanstts.v4i.126

Abstract

Conquistadors’ interpreters in America could be seen as mediators whose effort made possible the communication between Indians and Europeans. Yet, their very names are stigmatised as symbols of betrayal if and when they emerge as fictionalised figures in literature, political move-ments and popular culture. Columbus’ interpreter is an outcast in both the New and the Old World. La Malinche is widely epitomised as Cortés’ mis-tress and traitor of the Aztecs, although her identity has been re-evaluated as mother of the Mexican nation and feminist icon of Chicana writers. Felipillo, Pizarro ’s ill-reputed interpreter, is used in the Andean regions as a metaphor for corrupt politicians.

Highlights

In the era of the conquest and colonisation of the Americas, interpreters played an important role as a human means through which the forces of colonial power were imposed
La Malinche and Felipillo have passed from history into the public imagination, with popular culture using them as symbols of treachery and vile behaviour in such a way that both have been turned into stereotypes of the liar, traitor and promiscuous lover
Columbus saw them as innocent Indians who needed to be civilised, whereas Díaz del Castillo transformed la Malinche’s life into a version of Amadís de Gaula

Summary

Introduction

In the era of the conquest and colonisation of the Americas, interpreters played an important role as a human means through which the forces of colonial power were imposed. They are the informants and mediators whose linguistic effort made possible the communication between Europeans and Indians during their first encounters. La Malinche and Felipillo have passed from history into the public imagination, with popular culture using them as symbols of treachery and vile behaviour in such a way that both have been turned into stereotypes of the liar, traitor and promiscuous lover The extent of this creative process is quite remarkable, as may be illustrated by metaphors in the tabloid press criticising “Felipillo” Toledo’s latest political. We shall focus on three interpreters who were active in three strategic areas of the period: the Antilles (Columbus), the Aztec empire (Cortés), and the Inca empire (Pizarro).

Diego Colón

La Malinche5

Felipillo

Conclusion