Des Cannibales

Abstract

"Of Cannibals, Essays" ("Des Cannibales"), famously known as Of Cannibals is an essay written by Michael de Montaigne included in his collection of essays. It describes the New Worlds and cultural differences between newly explored territories, especially Brazil and continental Europe. Montague’s essay explores what seems to be a tradition, where for honorary reasons, the group of locals eat their deceased enemies' bodies. The essay inspired Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and Gonzalo’s famous speech about a new world.