Argentina's 19th-century political tensions shaped its literature. The pitted against , leading to and . Writers used fiction to critique authoritarianism, portraying historical figures and events through allegory.
Romantic novels became vehicles for political expression. Heroes like embodied national struggles, while love stories symbolized hope for Argentina. Landscape descriptions and heightened emotions, paralleling the volatile political climate.
Political Context and Literary Critique
Political tensions in 19th-century Argentina
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Rosas dictatorship (1829-1852) pitted Federalists against Unitarians led to oppression of political opponents
Representation of historical figures portrayed as antagonist and real Unitarian leaders as characters
Social and cultural divisions emerged between elite and lower classes as well as urban and rural populations
Violence and terror perpetrated by (Rosas' secret police) resulted in political persecution and forced exile of opponents
Fiction as critique of authoritarianism
Allegorical representation used characters as symbols of political ideologies and events mirrored real historical occurrences (, )
Emotional appeal to readers humanized victims of oppression and generated sympathy for the opposition movement
Exposing government abuses detailed instances of violence and corruption while revealing inner workings of the regime (, )
Creating collective memory preserved accounts of resistance and shaped through narrative (gaucho culture, Unitarian ideals)
Literary Techniques and Political Discourse
Romantic novel for political expression
Romantic hero archetype Eduardo Belgrano embodied idealistic protagonist whose personal struggle reflected national conflict
Love story as political allegory depicted and Eduardo's relationship symbolizing hope for Argentina while obstacles represented political barriers
Landscape and setting descriptions of Buenos Aires reflected social atmosphere and nature metaphors illustrated political climate (stormy skies, oppressive heat)
Melodramatic elements heightened emotions emphasized political passion and plot twists mirrored unpredictable political changes (betrayals, sudden arrests)
Character development showed growth paralleling political awakening and moral choices reflecting ideological stances (loyalty to cause, sacrifice for beliefs)