Comparising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comparising - Essay Example As commonsense would dictate, a person's words are only as convincing as the listener's opinion of it. Two distinguished explorers have written historical accounts of their trip to China during the Mongol period. Both explorers wrote about the geographic details of the land, the cultures and beliefs of the inhabitants, and the political aspect of the society. However, seeing that William of Rubruck was a Flemish Franciscan missionary who, under Louis IX's orders, set out from Constantinople on a missionary journey to convert the Tartars, obviously illustrates the idea that his view is that of a religious individual's view. Whereas, Marco Polo, an explorer who came from a family of Venetian traders, may have views that are more freethinking in nature, as well as may bend towards the more political side. Although William of Rubruck was in China earlier than Marco Polo, they wrote historical accounts that could be compared to each other, especially on the physical and cultural circums tances surrounding these voyagers among different societies during the Mongol period. Life under the Mongol rule was illustrated by both writers, and both showed that indeed, during that time in history, it is the Khan who held power. In William of Rubrick's account, he told of how people bowed in reverence to the Mangus Khan, and that the latter was so powerful in society that once he summoned an individual, he hastens to the court of the Mangus Khan. In one of William of Rubrick's anecdote during his stay at Karakourum, he noted that once the Khan notices an irregularity and questions it, those questioned seem to tremble in fear of such circumstance. Marco Polo's account regarding the Khan's position in society was very much similar to that of William of Rubrick's. Polo described the Khan as a powerful individual, wherein each city they passed were all subject to him, and his power in conquering kingdoms is highly stressed by Polo. Polo also mentioned of the Great Khan's authority over the decisions and fate of the cities and its inhabitants. However, William of Rubrick wrote about the Mangus Khan in a more religious view. He talked about the Mangus Khan and his wives, taking into particular detail who were pagans, and who were Christians. He also noted his life in Karakourum, the encampment of the Mangus Khan, wherein he was fed well, as were the other priests, but that there were many inhabitants who were hungry and they had to share everything that they had with these unfortunate individuals. Polo, on the other hand, related about the Great Khan's power in a more political view. He acknowledged the Great Khan's power when he mentioned in his account the Great Khan's taking of Siang-yang-fu city in the province of Manzi, wherein he, his father, and his uncle were acknowledged and given credit for the successful taking of this city due to their idea. It is also stated in Marco Polo's narratives that he governed the city of Yang-chau for three years. Whereas, compared to William of Rubrick, Marco Polo enjoyed a higher pos ition of authority in society during