The ultimate adventurer:
Richard Burton & The Mountains of the Moon

1)

Richard Burton: He could be considered as the main character of the film. With a peculiar personality, this British polyglot feel and live his life in a risky and impassioned way.

John H. Speke: Richard Burton's friend through thick and thin, he is a selfish person who puts ahead of their interest and convictions.

Isabel Burton: Burton's wife who assume with resignation the Burton's lifestyle thanks to the immense love that she feels to him.

Lowry Oliphant: Speke's publisher who only think in one thing, himself. He does not matter whatever to do to reach their purpose.

2)

Burton is a real adventurer since he really appreciates the whole process of each one. He totally try to get involved in social culture which he visit, taking part in their ritual, traditions,...

Conversely, Speke is determined with the target and the benefits that could be earned in a trip. He consider other cultures in a contemptuous way.

3)

Firstly, both have different kind of mind and clash between them. As I said before, they have as purpose different objectives. Eventually they get to know during the trip, being good friends and even Speke falls in love with Richard. Finally Speke wants to reach glory and fame at the expense of breaking his bond of friendship.

4)

Richard is a revolutionary person, fighting against Victorian culture and tradition. He lived against the tide.

5)

Burton had a open mind, as a result he showed a great interest about slave's medicine. Furthermore the slave assisted to Burton, saving his life and becoming good friends and that the reason why Burton suffer his loss.

6)

Burton did not believe in Speke's theories about discovering the source of the Nile. Besides he was not in the best conditions to take part in this expedition because of he was still injured.

7)

Burton's theory argued that the source of the Nile was composed by some affluents whereas Speke said that the source of the Nile was only one lake (Victoria lake). As I see it, Burton was right since Victoria Lake is supplied by other rivers.

8)

Burton did not betray Speke; quite the opposite. Once they returned from his trip, Speke was recognized as discoverer of the source of the Nile alone.

9)

Burton did not gave importance to his words, because it was a lie. Not all that has been published is true.

10)

Despite having bad moments with Speke, Burton show his friendship sculpting his bust.

11)

We discussed in class this topic, traveller or tourist? I mean, Burton offer us another perspective about travelling, to focus on get involved in the culture of the place you visit.