READ: Macuilxochitl (Graphic Biography)

Macuilxochitl was a poetess and princess whose work is an important source about the Aztec state, warfare, and trade in the pre-Columbian era.

The Graphic Biography below uses “Three Close Reads”. If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.

First read: skimming for gist

This will be your quickest read. It should help you get the general idea of what the graphic biography will be about. Pay attention to the title, headings, images, and layout. Ask yourself: what is this graphic biography going to be about?

Second read: understanding content

For this reading, you should be looking for unfamiliar vocabulary words, the major claim and key supporting details, and analysis and evidence. You should also spend some time looking at the images and the way in which the page is designed.

By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:

Who was Macuilxochitl and how does she describe herself?
She describes the Tenochtitlan (Aztec) conquest of Tlacotepec as “forays for flowers [and] butterflies.” What does this mean?
She writes that Axayacatl spared the Otomi warrior partly because he brought a piece of wood and deerskin to the ruler? What does this tell you?
How does the artist use art and design emphasize and demonstrate the importance of tribute?

Third read: evaluating and corroborating

In this read, you should use the graphic biography as evidence to support, extend, or challenge claims made in the course.

At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:

How does this biography of Macuilxochitl support, extend, or challenge what you have learned about the state and economy in Mesoamerica in this period?

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to read! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished reading.

Macuilxochitl (Graphic Biography)

Writer: Trevor Getz

Artist: Liz Clarke

Macuilxochitl was a poetess and princess whose work is an important source about the Aztec state, warfare, and trade in the pre-Columbian era.

Download the Graphic Biography PDF here or click on the image above.

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ealmaguer
Posted a year ago. Direct link to ealmaguer's post “interesting”
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