Balboa Analysis
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The theme the story expresses about Balboa is that the schemes of cruel
men sometimes underlie the growth of civilization. The theme expressed
about the New World is that behind exploration and opportunity lie
barbaric acts of violence. These themes are related through the role
Balboa has in settling the New World.
In the flashback, Balboa reveals that he ended up in Darién because he
was fleeing from his creditors. This suggests that power is often in the
hands of the strongest individual, not the best.
The dogs symbolize the savagery of the Spanish. “Balboa’s war dogs”
refers literally to animal soldiers and figuratively to vicious, brutal
human soldiers.
Balboa’s abuses of power—turning people against each other for his
own benefit—foster mistrust in Dávila, who has Balboa put to death and
his severed head put on view to the people he terrorized.
: The contrasts between Balboa’s actions and how he’d like to be
perceived show the reader that he wants power and fame too much to
curb his brutal actions.
Exposition: September 25, 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa is at the base of
the mountain where, once he climbs, he will be able to see the Pacific
Ocean.
Rising action: As he climbs, Balboa encounters a jaguar. Flashback to
when he supplants the governor of a colony; we learn that he’s
treacherous and lusts for power. Balboa mistakes his dog for a jaguar.
Second flashback to how Leoncico guarded Balboa when he was a
stowaway. Third flashback showing his rise to power and his misdeeds,
as well as the foreshadowing of his death.
Climax: reaches the view of Mar Del Sur.
Falling action/Resolution: Balboa basks in the glory in the moment of
discovery. Flash forward to his execution for treason.