Magical Realism has roots in political and social oppression and subversion and over the years evolved in many ways. Pedro Paramo is a short novel grounded in Mexican history and the culture of the time, the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution. Before the Mexican Revolution of 1910 Mexico operated in a feudal type of structure, a harsh patriarchal society, in which large landowners controlled most of the property that was farmed by the country’s peasants who lived in small villages like Comala. After the Revolution, people from the countryside began to abandon their villages in favor of greater opportunity in the cities. A steady migration began from rural Mexico which explains in part the historical factor implicit in Rulfo’s depiction of Comala as a ghost town (no pun intended). 20th century strife is key to understanding Pedro Paramo. The novel provides real world context, but it also elucidates the context of the novel’s main themes: the search for a father (identity); nostalgia, death, loneliness; oppression of the Haves toward the Have-Nots. Religion also plays a role in the characterization of the priest, Father Renteria, who allows the faithful to purchase forgiveness to enter heaven in an exchange of goods for services; the brother and sister who live in sin; the dead who live in a type of purgatory, unable to reach heaven because they have not received forgiveness for their sins. The dead appear to be compelled to tell their life stories reliving their own sins and misfortunes over and over again.
On CONTENT: Read Pedro Paramo pdf and Pedro Paramo: a review before beginning this assignment.
Topics:
Answer these questions/topics in complete sentences in paragraph form. A paragraph is 100-200 words long. Don’t just fill up space. Express yourself. Comment on the submission of one other classmate.
1) In your opinion, what is the effect of the technique used by the author to allow different characters to take control of the narrative? Does this help create the dimension of magical realism. If so, how so? If not, explain.
2) Why do you think the title is based on one character Pedro Paramo? Explain. He is only one part of a large world of characters.
3) In Mexican literature one of the most enduring themes has been the search for the father (or identity). This search is a product of the Conquest, when the indigenous peoples’ world was turned upside down: life was disrupted by a new religion, a new language, destruction of cities, enslavement of peoples, transforming regional environments, spread of diseases, and much more. Specifically, the search for identity and paternity in the novel is tied to women in the novel. The town of Comala shows how patriarchal social and family structures in which men possess and control women and property are both violent. Pedro builds a family in order to possess and control.
a) Give clear examples of above statements regarding women, property, power and control.
b) Regarding magical realism: In your opinion, would this novel reveal such a strong social critique if it were told in a linear fashion without the elements of magical realism; for example, dead people talking? Explain your reply.
