I find this image one of the more realistic interpretations of Malintzins true use and purpose to Cortes and the Spanish. Her major role was that of a mediator, introducing, translating and all around trying to bridge that cultural gap between Cortes and the local people. This made communication for Cortes and the Spaniards exponentially easier as negotiations without a translator could be misinterpreted and lead to bloodshed more often than not, especially when you are dealing with a side that "knows" it is superior to the other.
Other parts of the picture let us know the type of communication being had by the two sides, via Malintzin. They are trading, or at least the natives are giving tribute to Cortes. The handing of a fowl, a bowl of what could be rice or grain, the steak with another bird like creature on it; but most importantly the faces the natives are showing. They seem to me that they are humbled and not aggressive, and the one with the bowl even has his head down in a sign of respect.
The image does not portray a woman beaten or mistreated, quite the opposite it indicates a large amount of respect by the natives as well as an enjoyment for her role. She is smiling and even though Cortes and his men are on horseback, this scene does not indicate any kind of lowered status. Another major part of this picture is the interaction between Cortes and Malintzin. He is looking down at her, while also pointing at her, as if telling the native men that she is in charge, or at least knows what Cortes wants and her word is his word. This connection between the two needs a lot of trust. Cortes must at some point in their relationship, probably the early stages, worried about a possible betrayal. His trust, and her dependability created an amazing team, her connections to the local people through her father being related to the lord also made this find even more important (Townsend 17).
I feel Townsend would agree with my argument as there was a lot of respect given to Malintzin by Cortes through trusting her as he did.
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