Latin American Studies ETDs

Publication Date

12-3-1979

Abstract

This study is an initial survey of the Argentine historical novel (1840-1970). Although Argentina has a rich literary tradition, no previous analysis has considered the trajectory and persistence of such fiction throughout a century and a half of multiple literary influences and changing tastes. The human experience recreated through historical research is as legitimate a matter for literary treatment as that observed first hand by an author and not only provided the form for Argentina's first novels but has proved to be a favorite genre with both readers and writers. The characteristics of historical fiction are identified through an examination of the novelistic techniques evolved by Sir Walter Scott. Actual events and real people introduced into the narrative from a period previous to the author's personal experience form an integral part of the story. Characters and actions develop out of the epoch which provides the setting while a subtle relationship between the author's time and the novelized period must be based on universal aspects of the human experience. The reaction to the historical novel in the Western World is discussed, particularly the documented response of Argentine intellectuals such as Sarmiento and Vicente Fidel López, who saw in the historical novel not only models for literature, but a tool for the teaching of national values. There follows a brief review of historical conditions leading up to, and contemporary with, the advent of prose fiction in the Río de la Plata region, in which the importance of the historical novel is cited as a major influence. The growing familiarity with European and American historical novels like those of Scott and Cooper is shown by the surprising number of such works published by Spanish writers and read in South America as early as 1825. Other major influences on the development of the narrative include Esteban Echeverría's introduction of romanticism to the new nation, real and imaginary repression of intellectuals during the Rosas period, and the novelists' careful study of the country and its circumstances. Over sixty novels are studied. Attempts are made to authenticate the novelized settings and compare them with the novelists' own time. Attention given the lesser works includes brief plot summaries, estimates of literary merit and authors' messages, while analysis of critical commentary has in some cases been synthesized. The portrayal of history is found to be reasonably accurate and ranges from a well controlled component in the better works to a predominant concern for historical detail which flaws some of the less successful narratives. Vicente Fidel López is identified as the outstanding author of nineteenth century historical fiction. His La novia del hereje, published between 1842-46, is a fully developed historical novel. The century was characterized by a predominance of romanticism although realism and naturalism became important in the latter part of the period as is evident in the historical novels of Eduardo Gutiérrez. The growing production of prose fiction and multiple literary influences are noted. Modernism in the narrative reaches its zenith in the masterpiece, La gloria de Don Ramiro by Enrique Larreta. However, a vigorous realism comes to dominate the initial decades of the twentieth century and, on another level, many authors employ the historical analogy as a commentary on current problems. The variety of literary techniques employed underscores the growing sophistication of Argentine authors. Cinematographic influences modify the pattern for historical fiction first displayed by Scott in a wide range of novels of unquestionable merit. Realism alternates with magic-realism particularly in the works of Mujica Láinez. History as a literary element clearly persists in Argentine literature.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Latin American Studies

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Latin American Studies

First Committee Member (Chair)

Marshall Rutherford Nason

Second Committee Member

Dinko Cvitanovic

Third Committee Member

Tamara Holzapfel

Fourth Committee Member

Michael Lee Conniff

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