The Moor's Account

Mustafa was a merchant before he sold himself into slavery. In what ways do the skills he learned as a merchant serve him in the new world?

What is the role of storytelling in this novel? Why is it important that Mustafa tells his story?

The first part of the novel shifts between Mustafa’s experiences as a slave in the new world and Mustafa’s early life in North Africa. Why does the author use this narrative technique?

How do the Castilians’ views of the native people change from the beginning of their journey to the end of the book?

At the beginning of the book, Mustafa observes that Dorantes always speaks of his hometown “with the expectation of a glorious return” (9). Why does Dorantes ultimately choose a life in the new world instead of returning to Spain?

Mustafa is raised as a Muslim, is baptized as a Christian while enslaved, and becomes a shaman when living among the natives. Describe Mustafa’s spiritual growth throughout the book. What conclusion does Mustafa come to about religion?

How does Mustafa’s relationship with his master Dorantes evolve during their time together?

Freedom is an important theme in the book. At what point in the narrative do you think Mustafa is most free, and why?