Christopher Columbus

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Student Question

From "Columbus and the Egg," what are the first and last events?

Quick answer:

The first event in "Columbus and the Egg" is Columbus discovering the Americas. After his return to Spain as a celebrated hero, the last event occurs during a party where Columbus demonstrates how to make a raw egg stand on its end. This demonstration serves as a metaphor for his achievements, showing that tasks may appear simple once the method is known, countering claims that his discovery was not remarkable.

Expert Answers

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Columbus discovered the Americas first.  He sailed for Spain since the Spanish were willing to fund his journey.  He, therefore, returned to Spain once he had discovered the New World. He was a hero, and everyone applauded his endeavor. While he was home, a man threw a party for him to congratulate him.  Everyone admired him, but jealousy did raise its ugly head.  Some of the men told him that he hadn’t done such a great deed.  Anyone could have done the same thing. “It was the simplest thing.” (pg 1) So Columbus challenged them to make a raw egg stand on its end. They tried, and when they couldn’t do it, he proceeded to show them how it could be done.  His remark to them was that something looks easy once you know how to do it. So, Columbus discovered the Americas first, and only after he had returned to Spain did the event with the egg take place.

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