Question

source a
this is a fragment of christopher columbus’ diary for saturday, october 13, 1492.

...i paid close attention and tried hard to find out if there is any gold here san salvador. i have seen some indians wear a small gold piece that hangs from a hole in their nose. by means of signs, if i interpreted them correctly, i understood that by going south or going around the island to the south, i can find a king who owns a lot of gold and has large containers full of it. i have tried to find some natives to take me to this great king, but no one seems to have any intention of making the journey.
tomorrow afternoon i intend to go to the southwest. the indians have indicated to me that there is not only land to the south and southwest, but also to the northwest. i will go to the southwest in search of gold and precious stones. also, if i understand correctly, it is from the northwest that outsiders come to fight and capture people here...

source: translated by robert h. fuson, the log of christopher columbus, international marine publishing company

1. why was the passage written (purpose)?

the passage written

1. what is the point of view of the author?

the point view of the author

1. who was the author’s audience?

the authors audience was

Explanation:

Question 1: Why was the passage written (purpose)?

The passage is from Columbus' diary, recording his observations in San Salvador, like searching for gold, native info, and travel plans. Its purpose is to document his exploration activities, findings (about gold, land, threats), and intentions, likely for record - keeping or reporting his voyage progress.

The author (Columbus) uses first - person pronouns like "I" (e.g., "I paid close attention...", "I intend to go..."). So the point of view is first - person, as he is recounting his own experiences, observations, and plans during the exploration.

Given that this is Columbus' diary, and considering the context of his voyage (funded by Spanish monarchs, part of a European exploration effort), the likely audience could be the Spanish monarchs (Ferdinand and Isabella) who sponsored his voyage, or other officials/people in Europe interested in the exploration's progress, to inform them about his discoveries and plans.

Answer:

The passage was written to document Christopher Columbus' exploration activities, findings (such as information about gold, land directions, and external threats), and his travel intentions during his voyage, likely for the purpose of record - keeping or reporting the progress of his exploration.

Question 2: What is the point of view of the author?