Evolution of Latin American Fiction in the 20th Century
Influences and Early Trends
Several factors shaped the evolution of Latin American fiction. These include the historical and social context of Latin America, the significance of the landscape, the mythical world of indigenous and African cultures, and the influence of European and American literature.
Two main narrative approaches emerged in the 20th century: realism and innovation.
Realism
Realism dominated the first thirty years of the 20th century. It was based on the belief in representing an objective reality, including the landscape and humanity. Jorge Luis Borges and Surrealism played key roles in the shift away from realism.
Innovative Narrative
The new narrative featured various trends, most notably magic realism, which incorporated fantastical elements into a seemingly normal reality, presenting the irrational and inexplicable as ordinary.
Later Trends
Later trends included testimonial literature, postmodernist humor, and themes of love and feminism.
Recurring Themes and Aspects
Despite diverse themes, certain constants emerge:
- Fantasy/Magic: This aligns with the magic realism trend.
- The Human Condition: Explores the search for identity through journeys, often with a pessimistic outlook.
- Literature: Narrators often express a concern for literary creation.
- Humor: Expressed in various forms, from lighthearted jokes to tragic or metaphysical humor.
- Eroticism: A recurring theme explored through different lenses.
Discursive Aspects
- Narrator: Multiple perspectives are often employed.
- Time: Linear time is disrupted through techniques like flashbacks, parallel stories, and temporal chaos.
- Language: Innovative language use is a hallmark of the new narrative.
The Rise of the New Narrative
Surrealism’s influence was crucial, challenging the established notion of reality. Two main trends emerged: magic realism and fantastic realism.
Magic Realism
Magic realism seamlessly integrates fantastical elements into the narrative without disrupting the sense of normalcy.
Miguel Angel Asturias
Key work: Mr. President
Alejo Carpentier
Carpentier’s narrative, influenced by Surrealism, is known for its intellectual and linguistic richness. Key work: The Age of Enlightenment
Fantastic Realism
Fantastic realism introduces extraordinary or inexplicable events that disrupt the everyday order, creating unreal worlds that explore existential questions.
Jorge Luis Borges
Borges, a master of the new narrative, created fictional worlds that question the logic of reality. His works explore metaphysical themes and the difficulty of understanding a mysterious and complex universe. Key work: El Aleph
Juan Rulfo
Rulfo’s work marked the confirmation of the new narrative. El Llano en Llamas uses realistic techniques while incorporating magical elements. Key themes include misery, violence, death, and guilt. Pedro Páramo features fragmented structure, temporal disorder, and interconnected narratives, blending reality and fantasy.
Juan Carlos Onetti
Onetti’s work often portrays the despair of urban life.
Ernesto Sabato
Sabato’s works focus on psychological drama and the individual’s conflict with society. Key work: The Tunnel
Augusto Roa Bastos
Roa Bastos’s work reflects the reality of his country and its people. Key work: I, the Supreme
Julio Cortázar
Cortázar’s stories present a unique conception of the fantastic, exploring the unexpected and irrational within everyday reality. His work often involves existential quests and reflections on creation and language. Key work: Hopscotch
Guillermo Cabrera Infante
Three Trapped Tigers offers a satirical view of pre-Castro Cuban reality.
Carlos Fuentes
The Death of Artemio Cruz features a fragmented structure and multiple perspectives.
Gabriel García Márquez
One Hundred Years of Solitude chronicles seven generations of the Buendía family in Macondo. The novel explores themes of loneliness and the cyclical nature of history, blending real and fantastical elements.
Mario Vargas Llosa
The City and the Dogs explores themes of violence, machismo, and loneliness within a military school setting.
Augusto Monterroso
Monterroso, a master of the short story, uses humor, satire, and irony to explore social concerns and contemporary reality.