Question

student name
primary source: marco polo on chinese society
background: marco polo, born in 1254 in venice, italy, was a venetian merchant, explorer, and writer. his travels to asia, particularly china, during the 13th century have been widely documented and celebrated for their detailed accounts of the cultures and civilizations he encountered.
networks
marco polo on chinese society
\the houses of the citizens of the former song capital of hangzhou are well built, and richly adorned with carving, in which, as well as in painting and ornamental buildings, they take great delight, and lavish enormous sums. their natural disposition is pacific, and the example of their former unwarlike kings has accustomed them to live in tranquillity.... their mercantile transactions are conducted in a manner perfectly upright and honourable. they also behave in a friendly manner to each other, so that the inhabitants of the same neighbourhood appear like one family.\
—the travels of marco polo, trans. hugh murray, part i, chapter 75
analyzing primary sources through acaps
author- who created the source? what do you know about this person or their point of view? how might this affect the sourced meaning?
context- when and where was the source created? how might this affect its meaning?
audience- for what audience was this source created? (personal or public) how might this affect its meaning?
purpose- for what reason was this source created? how might this affect its meaning?
significance- what can be learned or inferred from this source? what is its main idea? why is it important?

Explanation:

The source is from "The Travels of Marco Polo". Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant - explorer - writer, wrote about his experiences in China in the 13th century. The context is his travels in Asia, especially China. It was likely written for a European audience to share his adventures and the wonders of the East. The purpose was to inform and perhaps inspire. Significance lies in providing a Western perspective on Chinese society at that time.

Answer:

Author: Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer. His perspective as a Westerner seeing China for the first time could color his descriptions.
Context: 13th - century China, during Marco Polo's travels. This was a time of cultural exchange and exploration.
Audience: Likely European readers interested in far - off lands and new cultures.
Purpose: To share his experiences and the marvels of Chinese society.
Significance: Offers insights into Chinese society in the 13th century from a Western traveler's point of view.