ARGUEDAS, la historia que NO conoces del escritor

José María Arguedas: A Life Remembered

Early Life and Migration

• The narrative begins with the migration of families to Lima in the 1940s, leading to the establishment of districts like San Martín de Porres and Los Olivos.

• José María Arguedas was aware of his impending death, having written farewell letters before passing on December 2, 1969, after teaching his last class.

Personal Struggles and Family Background

• Arguedas faced significant personal challenges; he lost his mother at a young age and lived with a wealthy stepmother and half-brother.

• He experienced feelings of abandonment from an early age, which shaped his worldview and literary voice.

Education and Activism

• In 1931, at age 20, Arguedas moved to Lima to study at San Marcos University while living with his brother.

• His time at San Marcos was marked by political activism; he protested against Mussolini's regime in Italy during a visit by an Italian general.

Literary Contributions

• After being imprisoned for eight months due to protests, Arguedas published his first book "Agua" followed by "El Jaguar" in 1941, showcasing Andean culture.

• His works often featured characters like the Dancer Victorioso and highlighted cultural heritage; UNESCO recognized the Dance of Scissors as intangible cultural heritage in 2010.

Legacy and Recognition

• The district of Los Olivos has transformed significantly since Arguedas' time; it now honors him through streets named after writers.

• Despite struggles with depression throughout his life, including insomnia and anxiety, he achieved critical acclaim for novels such as "Los Ríos Profundos" (1958).

Final Years and Impact

• Following a suicide attempt that altered his trajectory, he focused on university teaching rather than public service.

• His posthumous work "El Zorro de Arriba y el Zorro de Abajo" reflects deep themes about identity and belonging within Peruvian society.

Conclusion: Remembering José María Arguedas