This doesn't include all the essays in this section of the list, but it includes a lot of them, maybe half.
Ariel (1900) – José Enrique Rodó (Uruguay)
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Summary: Essay in the form of a farewell speech
by an old schoolmaster, directed at youth of Uruguay / Latin America. Symbolic
use of Shakespeare’s The Tempest –
Ariel and Caliban. Ariel symbolizes reason, and Caliban symbolizes instinct.
Importance of youth in shaping future. People should be well-rounded (allegory
of hospitable king). Importance of beauty and aesthetics. Analysis of
utilitarian attitude and democracy. A look at U.S.; criticizes utilitarian
nature. Idea that Latin America should follow inspiration of Ariel – human
self-improvement.
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Influence of modernism
o
Importance of beauty, search for
beauty/perfection
o
Elitism
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Latin American identity, nationalism
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Civilization vs. barbarie
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Didactic, earnest, moral tone
La raza cósmica (1925) – José Vasconcelos (México)
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Essay promotes ideology of a future "fifth
race" in the Americas; an agglomeration of all the races in the world with
no respect to color or number to erect a new civilization: Universópolis
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Summary: History of diverse races, especially
whites and Latins. Latins have the potential to be superior and lead other
races in racial mixing to form final and perfect cosmic race in third spiritual
age (rather than previous material age and current intellectual age).
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Themes: pseudo-scientific style, anti-U.S.,
subtly pro-Christian, Latin American identity, race
Laberinto de Soledad (1945) – Octavio Paz (Mexico)
Discussion of Mexican
identity and flaws in Mexican character. “Solitude is innate aspect of human
condition.”
“Los hijos de la Malinche”
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Mexican is closed and hard to understand,
repelling to all
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Powerful words that are unique to each country –
for Mexico: chingar/chingón/chingada
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Two possibilities for the Mexican – be the
chingón, or be the chingada
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Explanation of machismo
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Idea of Mexicans as orphans; have rejected their
origins and cut off ties with their Mother
“Todos los santos”
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Fiesta as a temporary escape from solitude and reserve
that binds Mexicans normally
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Explanation of the nature of death as a
reflection of life
La ciudad letrada (1984) –
Angel Rama (Uruguay)
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Summary: Talks about the development of urban
centers during colonial times; the “letrados” or intellectuals were superior to
other classes. In 19th century, this evened out a bit – increased
level of literacy and access to education. Use of writing to describe cultures
that had previously been based on oral traditions. Realization of the fragility
of Latin America’s place in modern economy; specialization of the letrado
elite… new caudillos.
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Influence
of modernism
o
Elitism
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Importance of education; kind of a way of
proving civilization (rather than being labeled barbaric)
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Development of Latin America
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Exploration of Latin American identity
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Civilization vs. barbarism
o
Urban = civilized; rural = barbaric
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