Álvar Núnez Cabeza de Vaca and Gaspar Afonso: the writings of two pilgrims in the New World

Abstract

The spanish conqueror Álvar Núnez Cabeza de Vaca and the portuguese jesuit Gaspar Afonso took part in two expeditions to the New World in the 16th century. Both had to adapt themselves to unexpected circumstances because both expeditions shipwrecked.

Their writings present characteristics of fiction and therefore are very interesting for literary history.

Keywords

• Álvar Núnez Cabeza de Vaca
• Gaspar Afonso
• travel accounts
• New World
• 16th century
• fiction