Conclusion

As an economics major who doesn't naturally gravitate towards literature, taking a Hispanic literature class was a new and somewhat daunting experience for me. However, as I reflect on the semester, I can honestly say that it was a surprisingly enjoyable and enriching journey.

One of the things that made this class stand out for me was the grading system and learning style. It made the class less intimidating and more approachable, allowing me to engage with the material in a way that felt meaningful and relevant to my interests. The diverse collection of books we studied was also a highlight. Each novel explored different themes and topics, ranging from relationships to historical and societal dynamics, providing unique insights into Latin American culture and society.

At the beginning of the class, I'll admit I was initially skeptical of some of the unconventional narrative techniques used in the novels. However, as the weeks went by, I began to appreciate the depth and complexity of these narratives. It challenged me to think critically and approach the books from different angles, which ultimately enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the literature.

Although literature may not have be my favourite subject, this class has truly expanded my horizons and pushed me to think critically and engage with the subject in a whole new way. I'm genuinely grateful for the stimulating discussions and diverse perspectives that were brought to the table during the class discussions, as they added so much depth and richness to our exploration of Hispanic literature. This experience has been unique and rewarding, and I know I'll miss the dynamic interactions during class and on these blog posts

Lastly, thank you Jon and Daniel for making this experience so enriching. As someone with a rather low attention span who struggles to focus in class, even if I absolutely love the subject, I almost never had an issue staying engaged in this class (except on the occasional days when my allergies were giving me a tough time lol). Jon, you’re definitely one of the most engaging professors I’ve come across at UBC. And, Daniel, the lecture you facilitated was great - I can see you becoming a great professor one day. Your comments on our blog posts were always thought-provoking and added depth to our discussions. Thank you both for making this class such a memorable experience.

The Taiga Syndrome

Upon reading The Taiga Syndrome, I was immediately captivated by its mysterious and alluring world. Rivera Garza's descriptive prose skillfully brought to life the atmospheric setting of the Taiga, with its dense forests and palpable sense of isolation. As I delved into the story, I realized that the narrator, who remained unnamed throughout, was a figure shrouded in enigma, adding to the novel's sense of intrigue. Her struggles and interactions with other characters left me questioning the true nature of events, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. She was an enigmatic character, with her own struggles and vulnerabilities that she navigated as she journeyed deeper into the taiga. Her interactions with other characters were surreal and puzzling, leaving me pondering the complexities of human nature and the concept of identity. This uncertainty added to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue, and I found myself constantly trying to unravel the intricacies of the narrator's journey.

One of the aspects of the novel that I found particularly intriguing was Rivera Garza's embrace of ambiguity and uncertainty. Rivera Garza left many questions unanswered, inviting readers to interpret the story in their own way. This open-endedness left ample room for speculation and personal reflection, allowing me to engage with the text on a deeper level and form my own conclusions. It prompted me to reflect on the complexities of human nature, the intricacies of our existence, and the subjective nature of reality itself. That said, it was certainly a thought-provoking exploration of selfhood and memory that left me contemplating long after I had finished reading.

What I appreciated most about "The Taiga Syndrome" was its unique blend of genres. It combined elements of mystery, noir, and surrealism in a way that was both captivating and challenging. Rivera Garza's creativity and vision were evident in her experimental approach to storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional narratives.

As I reached the end of the novel, I was left with a sense of wonder and intrigue. The Taiga Syndrome had taken me on a literary journey that was unlike any other. It had urged me to reflect on the complexities of the human experience, the fluidity of reality, and the power of literature to transport us to unfamiliar realms and provoke deep introspection. Rivera Garza's evocative prose and thought-provoking exploration of identity had left a profound impact on me, and I found myself contemplating the novel's ideas even after I finished.

Discussion Question: 

How does Rivera Garza’s skillful use of ambiguity and uncertainty add to the mystery and intrigue of the novel? How did it impact your interpretation of the story, including its themes of identity, reality, and human nature?

My Tender Matador by Pedro Lemebel

As I read Pedro Lemebel's My Tender Matador, I found myself drawn in by the beautiful language and the deep humanity of the characters. I was struck by the ways in which Lemebel explores the impact of politics on personal relationships, and the complex interplay between desire, identity, and larger societal forces.

One of the things that stood out to me was the novel's emphasis on the power of connection and solidarity in the face of oppression. Through La Loca's participation in a peaceful protest, Lemebel shows how individual acts of resistance can come together to effect change, even in the most challenging of circumstances. This message of hope and resilience is particularly important in our current political moment, where the forces of division and hatred are on the rise in many parts of the world.

However, I also found the novel to be a deeply introspective exploration of the influence of politics on personal relationships. Lemebel portrays how societal forces can shape our emotions and desires, and how our identities can impact our interactions with others. In some sense, the characters in My Tender Matador are multidimensional, and their inner lives are affected by their experiences of marginalization and oppression. I was particularly moved by the tenderness and beauty of La Loca and Carlos's relationship, and the tragic nature of their circumstances.

What struck me most about Lemebel's writing was his ability to convey the emotional lives of his characters with such vividness and empathy. Through his use of language, he made their struggles and triumphs feel immediate and real. His descriptions of La Loca and Carlos's relationship were especially moving, capturing the tenderness and beauty of their connection in a way that felt both intimate and universal.

As I completed the novel, I was left contemplating how we can challenge oppression and build connections with others in a world that seems increasingly divided and polarized. How can we harness the power of solidarity to effect change, and what is the role of personal relationships in this process? These are pressing questions that My Tender Matador raises, and they feel more pertinent than ever in our current political climate.

Discussion Question: How does Lemebel's use of language and character development convey the impact of politics on personal relationships, and what can we learn from this approach to storytelling about the importance of empathy and understanding in building connections with others?

Week 11: Distant Star

 After reading Distant Star, I couldn't help but be struck by the novel's portrayal of a society recovering from political violence. As someone with limited knowledge of Chile or Latin America, I found the book's use of art, surrealism, and memory to be particularly fascinating.

As I finished reading the book, I found myself pondering about the role of literature in helping us understand and process the traumatic events of our history. One of the themes that stood out to me was the relationship between art and politics. Can literature truly capture the full scope of our pain and suffering, or is it limited by its own inherent subjectivity? And if literature can help us heal from our trauma, how do we ensure that it doesn't turn that trauma into something marketable or exploitative? This book certainly raises challenging questions about the ethics and limitations of art as a tool for bearing witness to political violence.

Another compelling theme that stood out to me was the idea of historical memory and trauma. The characters in the novel are all deeply affected by the violence and repression of the dictatorship, and their traumatic pasts continue to haunt them in the present. Besides, another striking aspect of Distant Star is the way in which it captures the pervasive atmosphere of fear and paranoia that permeated Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship. The novel's characters live in a society where violence and repression are constant threats, and where the lines between victim and perpetrator, truth and lies, are blurred. It was interesting to see how Bolaño used different narrative techniques, such as moving back and forth in time and incorporating multiple narrators, to convey the sense of disorientation and uncertainty that comes with trauma.

Finally, I was struck by Bolaño's use of surrealism and magical realism in the novel. The book is filled with strange and dreamlike imagery, from the flying corpses in the opening scene to the eerie landscapes of Wieder's photographs. These elements serve to heighten the sense of dislocation and disorientation that the characters feel in the wake of the dictatorship, and to underscore the idea that reality itself has been distorted by the trauma of the past.

Discussion question: 

How do you think art and literature can help us understand and grapple with historical trauma, and what responsibilities do artists and writers have in representing these events?

I, Rigoberta Menchu

I found this book to be incredibly moving and powerful. It highlighted the struggles and hardships that indigenous people in Guatemala have faced, but also showed the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression. What stood out to me most was Menchú's unwavering commitment to her community despite facing discrimination and poverty. Her efforts to bring attention to the injustices faced by indigenous people are truly inspiring.

The book's description of the military's violent suappression of indigenous communities was particularly poignant to me. Menchú's firsthand account of the fear and terror her community endured, and the government's brutal tactics used to silence dissent, was harrowing. However, Menchú's activism and leadership also demonstrated the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

To me, one of the book's most powerful moments was about the military's violent suppression of indigenous communities. Menchú vividly depicted the fear and terror that she and her community endured during this period, as well as the ruthless tactics used to silence anyone who spoke out against the government. Yet again, Menchú's story turned out to be about much more than just her struggles and challenges. It's also a story of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Despite everything she went through, Menchú's activism and leadership helped bring attention to the injustices faced by indigenous people in Guatemala, making her a crucial voice in the fight for social justice.

The book really made me realize how Menchú's experiences shed light on the intricate intersection of race, class, and gender in Guatemala. The way it portrayed the country's issues, such as the lasting impact of colonialism and the fight for social justice, was incredibly nuanced and thought-provoking. It made me reflect on how oppression and injustice are embedded in societal structures, and how it's up to individuals and communities to take action and demand change.

As I read Menchú's story, I was reminded of the devastating effects of the residential school system in Canada, which forcibly removed indigenous children from their families and communities and subjected them to physical and emotional abuse. The intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system is still being felt today and has had a profound impact on indigenous communities in Canada.

 
Discussion Question: Do you know of any other Indigenous communities that have been or are facing discrimination similar to what Menchú describes in the book?

The Hour of the Star

Being the shortest book this term, Clarice Lispector’s Hour of the Star was an easy read in terms of length. However, despite the short length of the Novella, I found Lispector's writing style to be challenging at times. This rather dense writing style did, however, add a layer of richness and depth to the relatively simpler plot line of the story. Likewise, while the writer's frequent use of metaphor was overwhelming at times, they provided a unique lens through which to view the characters and their experiences. For example, when describing Macabéa's physical appearance, the writer uses the metaphor of a "broken doll," which conveys both her fragile nature and her sense of disconnection from the world around her. 

For me, one of the most touching moments was when Macabéa goes on her first date with Olimpico. I found this to be significant because, in a way, it marks the first time where Macabéa experiences a sense of hope and possibility; in fact, I felt a little hopeful as well that this could be a turning point for her. Throughout the novella, Macabéa is portrayed as a lonely and isolated figure, stuck in the vicious cycle of poverty. However, during her date with Olimpico, she (and myself as a reader) begins to see herself as someone who is capable of being loved and desired. Sadly enough, this sense of hope was short-lived. Nonetheless, this moment emphasizes a key theme of the story- identity and self-worth. Macabéa's self-esteem is portrayed to be tied to her relationship with Olimpico, showing how our sense of self can be influenced by others' perceptions of us.

Besides, another moment that struck me is when Macabéa goes to the doctor. The doctor’s dismissive treatment towards her and the way she is made to feel small and insignificant illustrate the power dynamics at play. This moment also highlights the ways in which language can be used to reinforce power imbalances, as the doctor uses medical jargon to speak down to Macabéa. It angered me to read how she was denied access to quality healthcare and made to feel like a burden on the system.  Regardless, this is the unfortunate reality. As someone who grew up in India, I have seen this happen first-hand with underprivileged groups. 

Discussion question: 

What were the most impactful moments for you while reading this book?

100 Years of Soltitude Part 2

 Since I finished a big chunk of the novel during reading break, I’ll focus today’s blog post on themes discussed in this week’s lecture video while discussing a bit more about some of the things that stood out to me about the novel’s end. 

Firstly, I liked the discussion of this week’s drink and its relevance to the novel’s ending. In some sense,  reflecting back, this highlights the power of a drink as a means of connection and comfort, particularly in times of great hardship. Despite its humble origins and rough reputation, aguardiente becomes a source of solace for Aureliano and the bartender, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for human connection and resilience. However, the knowledge of what Aureliano was about to go home to is still unsettling.

Besides, what continues to impress me is how difficult it is to categorize this novel. It's a story that is both a beautiful work of magical realism, with vivid imagery, surreal scenes, and memorable characters, and a disturbing and catastrophic portrayal of human nature, forcing readers to confront the darker side of our reality. This contrast is apparent when Aureliano finds some solace at the bar, believing that the worst is over, not realizing that what's coming up ahead is much worse. 

While I was personally hoping for a bit of a happy ending such as Aureliano finally breaking the curse (which in some sense he did?), this bleak ending is a stark reminder of the novel's larger themes of human suffering and the futility of our attempts to escape the cyclical nature of history. It is a powerful commentary on the impact of modernization on traditional ways of life, as in some ways, the Buendía family and their community are destroyed primarily by the forces of progress and change. 

Throughout the book, we see the cyclical nature of time and history, with events repeating themselves over and over again. The last few pages of the book seem to complete this circle, as Aureliano's delirious condition reflects the madness of his great-grandfather and the ruined town mirrors the wars and conflicts that destroyed the region earlier. There is a sense of “finality” and closure to the ending; as the Buendia family line comes to an end, there is a sense that the cycle has finally been broken, that the weight of history and fate has been lifted.

That being said, I found the ending to be both satisfying and unsatisfying. While it stayed true to the themes of the novel and was, in some sense, an appropriate conclusion to the cyclical nature of history, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness at the end of the Buendía family line. However, I appreciate how the ending left room for interpretation and reflection, allowing us to form our own conclusions.

Discussion post: How did you feel about the book’s ending? Were you satisfied with it or were you also expecting a bit of a happy ending?