The Discovery Lesson Summary

As the play's title implies, "The Discovery" is a one-act play about Christopher Columbus's voyage of discovery. Under the direction given by the Royal Sovereigns of Spain, Columbus embarks on an expedition with his crew in pursuit of the New World. The travel lengthens because there is still no trace of the land even after several days at sea. Even commanders like Pedro find Columbus' behaviour tyrannical, and the sailors become more disobedient. Francisco informs Columbus that it is now impossible to discipline the crew. As the group becomes increasingly inebriated, seamen like Diego & Guillermo publicly express their opposition to Columbus.

Characters of the Story

The characters of the play

1. Christopher Columbus - Captain of the ship "The Santa Maria."
2. Don Pedro Gutierrez - an officer
3. Pepe - a page boy
4. Jhan Patino
5. Diego Garcia
6. Seamen
7. Francisco
8. Guillermo Ires

About Herman Ould

Hermon Ould, a poet and playwright, was the inspiration behind PEN from the organization's founding until his passing in 1951. From the time the English Centre was founded in 1921, he served as its secretary. In 1926, at the Berlin Congress, he was elected worldwide secretary of PEN worldwide. In 1941, he was elected president of PEN International.

Summary of the Discovery Lesson

In his play "The Discovery," Herman Ould dramatizes what happened on the final night of Christopher Columbus' voyage to India. This tale demonstrates Columbus's aptitude for exploration. In addition to learning about the new region, he has gained knowledge about numerous other topics. He argues that in order to succeed, one must rely on their own vision rather than that of others. Since allegiance is fleeting, like the seaweeds on the tide. There might be some discipline at first, but it soon balloons out of control. What endures, in the end, is one's faith in oneself.

Columbus's audacity endures to the very end. And he thanks God for his favour for his success. On the one hand, if we think Columbus is restless with the sailors, on the other hand, we have to agree that he is filled with patience when it comes to pursuing his goal, while other sailors are impatient & want to give up. Columbus thus possesses the characteristics of purity, patience, & perseverance when we look at the bigger picture. Purity because he pursues the trip with tenacity and ferocity because he believes it to be God's will. We must keep in mind that Columbus, like the sailors, is separated from his family and home. He doesn't waver, though. The burden on him is substantially greater because he is the ship's captain. It might be stressful to be questioned constantly. Due to his passion for both his work and the mysteries of God, Columbus is able to endure all of this.

Explanation of the Discovery Lesson Story

When the kingdom arrived, the semen sang that there was an idle container of rum nearby. The devil laughed, but God was naive. Every time Columbus heard this tune, he became incensed. Juan had the idea to halt the singing. Diego objected when they said they would sing to keep themselves entertained. With interest, they claimed to be working. Pedro Gutierrez arrived at that point and enquired as to who it was. Juan Patino stood forward and mentioned Diego Garcia's presence. Pedro was taken aback when he saw them. It's dark, and I would welcome the moon, he added, wanting to converse. Some of them, according to Diego, would be happy to see the Spanish coast.

Pedro asked him why he was being so impatient. There are restrictions on patients, according to Diego. The majority of the crew sailors were in need and impatient; they just wanted to get home. They were attempting to fly by day like bats, Diego added as he continued his speech. Why should he let one man command fifty men? Columbus, the captain. Pedro claimed that this was the reason why they weren't thinking of rebelling. Pedro disagreed with Diego's claim that the word was too nasty and claimed that their actions were ugly. Juan completed his task and left. Columbus arrived.

He was the ship's captain. He was a big, strong man. He had prematurely white hair, a fair, almost pink complexion, and was in good condition despite being 46. He seems reliable but is terribly depressed. When he observed Don Pedro conversing with Diego, he became slightly uneasy. Diego was facing him when he muttered, "Make it right," pointing to the unstable candle on the front table. Diego was furious but remained silent.

Columbus warned him to be aware of his surroundings and what he was doing. Diego left without trying to conceal his feelings. Columbus heard the Seamen's singing once more. The quarter deck was where Pedro and Columbus went. Pedro was informed by Columbus that the Seamen were heavy drinkers. Pedro responded that we shouldn't project our visions onto them because they were just simple men who drank for relaxation. Columbus remarked impatiently that his will was sufficient. Columbus apologized and stated, "I should control my tongue," but that wasn't enough after realizing the gravity of the situation. In this case, "my will" refers to God's will. Pedro expressed dissatisfaction with his discussion and said he had not disclosed his conflict.

Columbus raged, cursed the Seamen song they were hearing, and ordered them to stop. While by himself and gazing out over the ocean, Columbus thought to himself. What a wonder that God would create the longing but not offer the cure. Pepe suddenly appears startling or startling Columbus, who inquires about who that is. Pepe claimed that was indeed him. When asked by Columbus if he had been present constantly. In response, Pepe said he was off-duty. He was asked by Columbus why he wasn't down below. Pepe claimed to feel fortunate and stated that he would only want to travel with him if he was headed there.

He avoided them and despised them. Since he was the best, Don Pedro claimed that everyone else had reservations. Pepe was too young, according to Columbus, to express gratitude and have faith. The Seamen's Song was heard once more. Pepe made remarks about how the Seamen were terrible and drank excessively to make Columbus happy. Columbus described them as poor people. "Captain, you should be careful; sometimes they are dangerous," Pepe said as he drew closer to Columbus. They heard the tune once more. The song is now being sung firmly. According to Columbus, it was quite nasty. What do you think about the sailors, may they get dangerous? He ordered Don Pedro to cease singing. Don Pedro is back. Columbus instructed Pepe to leave that location. But he chose not to leave. He inquired about Don Pedro's claim that the singing turns into a roar once more. This demonstrates their dissatisfaction; it was poor. The commotion grew louder.

The Seamen, Pedro reported, were disobeying his orders. Columbus became irate and demanded that they identify the mischief- or trouble-maker. Pepe was asked what the phrases were by Columbus. Nearly in tears, he declared that The Santa Maria would serve as a lighter for his corpse; Columbus adamantly demanded that he say it immediately.

Francisco expressed his regret and acknowledged his understanding of Columbus' feelings. He was invited by Columbus to the Guillermo Isle. Francisco opined that it was very likely. Columbus claimed that following orders is a sign of discipline. Francisco claimed that descriptive language was obsolete in that circumstance. Then Columbus instructed Don Pedro to accompany him so he could determine whether he knew what the ideal jail conditions were.

Guillermo Ires and other sailors sped toward Columbus as Don Pedro approached his halfway point. They were all really enraged and behaved like enraged animals. When Columbia saw this, she roared and forced them to stop. He advised the first man to spend the night in jail if they continued. (No one spoke, and everyone remained still. Guillermo Ires approached Columbus while screaming furiously).

Guillermo questioned the claim that there were thirty members who had been imprisoned. Columbus stated very calmly that if no one was present, he would only fix it himself and that he was no longer willing to listen. With great excitement, Guillermo asked them to stop standing so much. All of them were regular men with emotions. They desire to return home and be with their families. He said that if Santa Maria didn't immediately shift her lever towards Spain, we would all be sheep and not at all men. Columbus enquired as to who would guide her to Spain. There are many people there who are willing to do this, Guillermo responded. Everyone recognized that Columbus was carrying the devil; he didn't know the proper course and was merely travelling eastward for no apparent reason. Since none of them were strangers to the water, they all lost hope when the easterly wind arrived. It was preferable to return home because the Devil's track takes them in the wrong direction. None of the Seamen indicated that they agreed.

Columbus asking for quiet. He appeared fairly calm, though paler than usual. Columbus claimed that Don Guillermo was an exceptional sailor and a guy of great resourcefulness in an attempt to persuade him. He did not avoid that since he had the capacity to think correctly. He would undoubtedly become prosperous. He must follow his captain's orders just like any other capable seaman.

The captain must obey the Spanish Royal Sovereigns who have dispatched him. They should be made aware that they must do the work. They were told to get back to their jobs by Columbus. Once again, a suitable pause or interval. Diego breaks the tension by stating that these were childish comments and that adults could reason with them because they were grownups. Columbus silenced them.

The irate sailors were mumbling, but Columbus' authoritative demeanour soothed them. Columbus then turned and ascended the stairs, where he was now standing and gazing downward. Diego questioned Columbus, "Is this holy ground?" A sudden, booming chorus could be heard. They shouted things like "Have him down," "Pitch him overboard," "Put him in jail," "Devil's tool," "Italian enemy," and so on as they ran in the direction of Columbus. Pepe moved in between and is now standing with his arms open. They all of them were cowards, Pepe said to the sailors, and they would have killed him first. Pepe was accosted by the audience, who shouted abuse at him and called him the Devil's dog. Columbus stepped forward and remarked, "Is this kid all that stands between me and death?" Then there is quiet. Columbus spoke to the crowd.

This is a discovery-oriented journey. They headed out to gain fresh wealth and to explore a fresh World that lay beyond uncharted waters. For our King and Queen, all of this is done. To please God, we ought to make sacrifices. But it is learned that when a guy is given a vision, he should act on it since friendship and loyalty deteriorate as quickly as seaweed and a mast, respectively. Honourable obedience, responsibility, and discipline are like bubbles that pop when touched. Pepe claimed to be the captain's devoted servant and to have been faithful and obedient. Columbus affirmed, almost tearfully, that he wasn't resentful.

Taking a turn, Columbus scans the horizon. He fixes his gaze intently into the shadows. When some guys moved, the captain made a U-turn. They were simple men, according to Juan. Since the captain's query, can simple men assess them more favourably? Guillermo made a decision at that precise time and stated with assurance that they could wait until the next day.

Dark actions are better carried out in the dark, according to Columbus. Guillermo left, and a couple of sailors followed him. Francisco observes that males who are violent do not always exhibit the best traits that are in them. Columbus remarked with irony, "Your best cannot be bettered," and thanked Francisco for informing him. He bid him goodnight and ended their exchange. Francisco wanted to say something, but decided it would be best to leave and walk away.

Columbus didn't move during the pause because he was experiencing too much anxiety. He didn't talk steadily, his voice shaky with emotion. He instructed Pepe to leave. Pepe grabbed his hand, kissed it, and walked away. As he turned to face Don Pedro, Columbus related his encounter with the light that was just beginning to flicker. Don Pedro looked in that way and took note of the light.

The chorus also enjoyed shopping simultaneously. The light! The land! An exuberant and sprinting Sailor approaches. Did Columbus notice the light, the sailor inquired? All were created with happiness and prayers of appreciation. Mother of God finally blessed them. Don Pedro was informed to give the command to stop it at the shore by Columbus, and spoke with great authority. They, at last, found the New World.