Ruben Dario (9/29/08)

Ruben Dario wants to let go of the present. He finds it anachronistic. His liberal views and thinking is making him want to leave what is stale behind. He wants to break with what is traditional. He finds a “lack of mental elevation”, the works of the New Americans still vain, and he questions his grandfather’s choice of authors, the rhythm of the poetry, and even his wife as he is more interested in his lover. Dario desires to preserve his writing as unique to him. I think that he does not respect any kind of imitation as imitation of his work by someone else would make that work less of the person’s “personal treasure.” I think that Dario, although he has in his own words, “the hand of Marquis” wants to extract himself from the upper class writing and current literature. He is not inspired by it and he does not want to move forward. He would rather search in the literature of the past for inspiration instead of in the literature and ideas of the present times.

Facundo Overview (9/21/08)

Facundo is a very vivid description of the Republic of Argentina, which at some point he was president of. Sarmiento gives a clear layout of the geography of Argentina with its extensive forests in the north, the plains of the central zone and the south with its land and sea. He also gives a description of the people who inhabit all the various regions. Apart from Buenos Aires, which is a very “Europeanized” city comprised of Europeans, Spaniards and natives, the rest of Argentina is a vast country with open spaces, pampas, solitary regions, where the strongest survive. Argentina is the formation of many different provinces and the expanse of the land is incredible. Argentina is a land of many different and vivid characters. Outside of Buenos Aires the country is rural and filled with a variety of vivid characters. Quiroga is a part of this Argentina. Quiroga embodies a man not polished by European culture. The Argentina that is rawer and not civilized. Sarmiento tells the tale of a man,”tiger of the llanos”( being from the central part of the country) who from the time of his youth was untamable. Quiroga in a way is a foil to the tiger. However, Quiroga did rise to be general later in his life and was accepted in society. He was a scoundrel and a compulsive gambler though and had all the traits of an uncouth being. The author categorizes him as a natural man and barbarian.

Sab Analysis (9/17/08)

I will be analyzing Sab's love for Carlota and the ways that Sab demonstrates his unrequited love. I hope to cover many aspects of this love and even possibly consider including references to the lottery and the night of the storm. Sab's love for Carlota is mentioned throughout the entire book and has not been analyzed fairly much up to this point, which is where I hope to help.

Sab Chapter 1 Part II (9/14/08)

When Sab and Teresa meet at midnight, he tells her that by creating his happiness she will be creating her own. She is confused by this statement, but then listen to his incredible declaration of love. Teresa listened carefully as Sab's true emotions and feelings are shown to her during which she forgets his color and class. She now sees a man passionately in love. Sab is filled with desperation, emotion,pain, unhappiness, and torment. However, we are still left with the question of why Sab's happiness will help Teresa's.

Sab Chapters 2 and 3 Discussion Questions (9/7/08)

Chapter 2

Sab is the story of personal discovery within its characters. The writer is making herself an accomplice to out unknown present opinion. The author is willing to take part in our opinion of what is to unfold.

Sab does not seem to be a white criollo. He definately has the mix of two races, but is not a pure mulatto. His lips show African heritage, but his nose is aquiline and his hair is shiny and full. On the other hand, Enrique is a blue-eyed young man with blond hair. Carlota is an innocent, beautiful "criolla" with chestnut colored hair, dark eyes, and a ravishing figure. Teresa is plain with no emotion in her face. Her eyes, although dark green, generally show no expression.

Chapter 3

In her youth Carlota had a very romantic notion of what her life would be with her love. She sees her tropical surroundings as she sees her love. Her love is brilliant, alive, and "bursting with life" similar to Cuba. Cuba is heady, hot, and full of beauty.

Both George Otway and don Carlos de B want the best for their children. In the case of George Otway, who was a peddler, he always strived for more. His son Enrique is similar to him, as he also seeks forune, social standing, and acceptance. On the other hand, don Carlos de B is a romantic deep down. He married his love who had no dowry and succumbs to Carlota's wishes as he just wants her to be happy. Don Carlos de B has no social or monetary ambitions similar to Carlota.

Marriages had to be approved by both families. Marriage was also an economic contract to benefit both parties. However, the fact that George Otway had been a peddler before his rise to fortune had a negative effect on the family of don Carlos de B. Although don Carlos de B approved Carlota's suitor, his family did not and removed part of her inheritance. The reader learns that if the whole family is not in sync and agreement on the match, changes can be made quickly on issues of inheritance.

Religion was also an important issue. The Roman Catholic church dominated. Since Enrique Otway's family did not have Catholics, Carlota's family found him undesirable as they were fearful he was a heretic.