The City and the Dog: Analysis and Author’s Perspective
The City and the Dog: A Tale of Two Worlds
The contrasting reception of The City and the Dog in Spain and Peru highlights its powerful narrative. The novel’s exploration of violence, fatalism, and degraded sexuality through a labyrinthine plot and multiple narrators captivated Spanish audiences while sparking controversy in Peru.
Synopsis:
The story unfolds at the Leoncio Prado Military Academy in Lima. Following a theft, the cadets are confined to campus indefinitely. When the thief’s identity is revealed, rumors spread, leading to suspicion and ultimately, the death of a cadet nicknamed “Slave.” The authorities attempt to cover up the incident, fearing a scandal. The narrative follows the intertwined fates of various cadets, including Jaguar, Alberto “The Poet,” and the noble officer Gamboa, as they navigate the harsh realities of the academy and its aftermath.
The Green House: Exploring Exploitation and Destiny
In The Green House, Vargas Llosa delves into the brutal world of exploitation and the intertwined destinies of its characters. Sergeant Lituma’s marriage to Bonifacia takes a tragic turn when he leaves for Piura, leading her to a life of prostitution in “The Green House.” The novel also exposes the exploitation of indigenous people by missionaries and soldiers.
Social Critique and Machismo:
The exploitation of others, particularly women, emerges as a dominant theme. The sexual exploitation in the brothel mirrors the exploitation of indigenous people in the jungle. The pervasive machismo fuels this exploitation, evident in the violent relationship between Bonifacia and the Sergeant.
Vargas Llosa’s Creative Process:
Vargas Llosa describes his writing process as a journey of self-discovery, where the demons of his life become the themes of his work. He views writing as a way to exorcise these demons and transform personal experiences into literary narratives.
From Child Prodigy to Literary Rebel:
Vargas Llosa’s literary journey began in childhood, where he would alter the stories read to him. Reading and writing became a means of escaping reality and challenging authority, particularly during his adolescence at the Leoncio Prado Military Academy.
Literary Influences:
Vargas Llosa’s literary development was shaped by a diverse range of authors, including Dumas, Hugo, Dos Passos, Sartre, Hemingway, Faulkner, and Camus. These influences contributed to his unique narrative style and thematic explorations.