10.1 José Mármol's Amalia and the Political Novel

Argentina's 19th-century political tensions shaped its literature. The Rosas dictatorship pitted Federalists against Unitarians, leading to oppression and exile. Writers used fiction to critique authoritarianism, portraying historical figures and events through allegory.

Romantic novels became vehicles for political expression. Heroes like Eduardo Belgrano embodied national struggles, while love stories symbolized hope for Argentina. Landscape descriptions and melodramatic elements 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 Juan Manuel de Rosas 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 Mazorca (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 (May Revolution, Battle of Caseros)
• 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 (censorship, propaganda)
• Creating collective memory preserved accounts of resistance and shaped national identity 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 Amalia 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)