Unit 7 Study Guide: The Latin American Boom and 20th Century Narrative

El Boom

A literary movement and cultural explosion in Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s, notable for achieving worldwide fame for Latin American authors.

Cuban Revolution

A 1959 event that catalyzed the Boom by providing a sense of unity and hope for a leftist Latin American identity.

Realismo Mágico

A literary style where magical elements appear in a realistic setting, accepted by characters as part of reality.

The Fantastic

A genre where a rupture in reality creates hesitation or fear, separating it from magical realism.

Structural Experimentation

A technique in Boom literature where the narrative is nonlinear, actively engaging the reader.

lector cómplice

A term used by Cortázar to describe a reader as an active participant in the narrative.

tiempo circular

A narrative technique in Boom literature that utilizes circular time, mimicking memory rather than chronological order.

fluir de la Conciencia

A technique capturing a character's chaotic thought process, associated with authors like Joyce and Faulkner.

Hyper-realism

A technique used by García Márquez focused on vivid sensory details and stark realism.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration used in storytelling, notably in García Márquez's 'El ahogado más hermoso del mundo'.

In media res

Narrative technique that starts the story in the middle of action, as seen in Rulfo's 'No oyes ladrar los perros'.

Metaficción

Fiction that reflects on its own nature, such as Filiberto's diary in Fuentes' 'Chac Mool'.

Ambigüedad

A literary characteristic where interpretation is open to multiple meanings, common in Boom works.

Onírico

Related to dreams; a quality often found in works of the Boom authors.

Desdoblamiento

The division of a character's identity, often explored in Borges' and Cortázar's writings.

National Identity

A theme in Borges' 'El Sur' exploring the contrast between European influences and local culture.

Generational Conflict

A theme in Rulfo's 'No oyes ladrar los perros' showcasing the disconnect between parents and children.

Decadence of the Middle Class

A theme in Fuentes' 'Chac Mool' addressing the decline of traditional social values.

Transformation through Imagination

A prominent theme in 'El ahogado más hermoso del mundo' where myth shapes community identity.

Class Relations

A central theme in 'La siesta del martes', contrasting the dignity of the poor with societal hypocrisy.

Coded social critique

Literature used as a tool for subtle criticism of political regimes, especially during dictatorships.

Magical Elements

Supernatural occurrences integrated into realistic narratives, typical of Magical Realism.

Cortázar

An Argentine author known for his mastery of the Fantastic and experimental narrative styles.

Galeano

An influential writer whose works reflect social realities, often in conjunction with Boom literature.

Collage Technique

A narrative style blending diverse sources or perspectives, often seen in Boom literature.

Juvenile Disenchantment

A theme reflected in various works depicting the loss of hope and idealism among youth.

Political Volatility

The unstable political environment in Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s that influenced Boom literature.

U.S. Intervention

The impact of American political actions in Latin America, contributing to the themes of the Boom.

Cold War Proxy Conflict

The use of Latin American nations as battlegrounds for U.S. and USSR influence during the Cold War.

Absurdism

A literary philosophy that explores the meaningless aspects of life, often in the context of Boom literature.

Myth vs. Realism

A thematic contrast often explored in Boom texts, questioning the nature of truth and perception.

Civil Disobedience

A theme represented in literature as an act of resistance against oppressive regimes.

Fragmented Narratives

A storytelling technique involving disjointed timelines and perspectives, characteristic of Boom authors.

Cultural Sovereignty

The desire for distinct identity and autonomy in literature, often fueled by political contexts.

Intertextuality

The relationship between texts and their influences, prevalent in Boom literature.

Juntas

Military regimes that governed several Latin American countries, contributing to the themes of oppression.

Literary Phenomenon

A significant occurrence in literature, such as the rising popularity of Latin American authors during the Boom.

Identity Crisis

A theme reflecting the struggle for self-definition amid cultural and political changes in Latin America.

Dialectical Relationships

Interactions and tensions between various elements in literature, often explored in Boom narratives.

Reader Engagement

The active involvement of readers in interpreting and understanding the text, emphasized by Boom authors.

Social Protest

A common theme in Boom literature addressing social injustices and inequalities.

Universal Themes

Broad topics explored in Boom literature, transcending local contexts to resonate globally.

Urban Literature

A genre focusing on city life and modern experiences, often emerging in post-Boom narratives.