Question

“balboa knows that from this peak he will be able to see the western water, what he has already decided to name the south sea. he takes a musket with him. the spaniards have been warned that if they follow, he will use it, because discovery is a tricky matter and he wants no competition.”

“balboa had organized the rebellion, supplanted the governor—all of this done with great efficiency and intelligence.”

“balboa’s strength had been to recognize this discord. he divided the great tribes, supported one against the other. his reputation spread. his muskets blasted away the faces of the greatest warriors.”

○ balboa is ambitious, intelligent, but ruthless, willing to use strategy and violence to gain power and glory.
○ balboa is impulsive and reckless, relying more on luck than planning to succeed.
○ balboa is primarily motivated by curiosity and a peaceful desire to explore new lands.
○ balboa is a cautious but fair leader who avoids conflict whenever possible.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• First option: The text shows Balboa's ambition (wanting to discover and name the South Sea alone), intelligence (organized rebellion efficiently), and ruthlessness (using musket to prevent competition, dividing tribes violently). This matches.
• Second option: No indication of impulsiveness or reliance on luck; he plans (e.g., warning Spaniards, dividing tribes). Eliminate.
• Third option: Motivated by glory/power (not peaceful curiosity) and uses violence. Eliminate.
• Fourth option: He uses violence (musket, dividing tribes) and isn't fair/avoiding conflict. Eliminate.

Answer:

Balboa is ambitious, intelligent, but ruthless, willing to use strategy and violence to gain power and glory.