| dc.description.abstract | I have proposed to study the elements of the South American jungle novels, to make a comparison of this style of Super-regionalism with that of the style which deals with other areas, and to make a detailed analysis of The Vortex (La vorágine) by José Eustasio Rivera. Beginning my research, I hoped to find that this sub-group indeed constituted an unique form of expression. I intended to use The Vortex as the work most exemplary of the elements of jungle literature, and to judge its continuing influence on contemporary authors.
I have completed the tasks I set for myself, and my findings are closely in line with my expectations. The jungle novels grew from the nineteenth century forms of creole expression. True Americanism was first expressed by the Modernists, later by the creole-style authors. It is from this second group that the super-regionalist school developed, with the jungle literature coming as an extreme form of it.
The Vortex with all its aspects of Romanticism, demonstrates best the elements of jungle literature. Compared with Don Segundo Sombra by Ricardo Güiraldes, a novel of gaucho life on the plains, it is evident that the style, structure, and diction of both works reflect the environment they represent. Green Mansions, by W. H. Hudson, is another jungle novel, and has much in common with The Vortex, including the sense that time has been forgotten, the protagonist who has been greatly influenced by his environment, and the illusive qualities of the perfect woman.
Social elements are a very important part of The Vortex. Rivera wrote primarily to stimulate action with his social criticism against the conditions endured by the rubber workers. He was successful in that his work generated interest in the situation, and possible solutions were formulated for it.
The effect of The Vortex can be seen in a modern novel like Alejo Carpentier's The Lost Footsteps. The journey-like framework provides a suitable setting for the development of the personalities of the protagonists, but where Rivera's style tended toward Romanticism, Carpentier's tends toward Existentialism.
I believe I have found evidence that supports my premise of there being a certain uniqueness about South American jungle novels. I also believe I have cited information insuring the place of The Vortex in that group. | en |
