Lección 3: La guerra de Canudos
The War of the End of the World: A Literary Exploration
Overview of Mario Vargas Llosa's Novel
- In 1981, Mario Vargas Llosa published "The War of the End of the World," set in northeastern Brazil at the end of the 19th century.
- The novel is considered a literary rewriting of Euclides da Cunha's "The Sertões," published in 1902, which explores themes beyond mere history.
Historical Context and Significance
- The narrative centers around a violent conflict in Canudos, Bahia, Brazil, occurring in 1897, involving three military expeditions against a town formed by followers of Antonio Conselheiro.
- Antonio Conselheiro was a charismatic figure who attracted marginalized individuals to his popular religious movement after slavery was abolished.
The Formation and Threat of Canudos
- Canudos became a refuge for ex-slaves and landless people but also included bandits, raising concerns among authorities leading to military action.
- Initial military expeditions failed due to underestimating local conditions, resulting in significant losses for attackers and escalating tensions with republican Jacobins.
The Massacre and Its Aftermath
- Ultimately, an army comprising half of Brazil's troops was sent to eliminate Canudos; approximately 20,000 people were massacred during this campaign.
- Euclides da Cunha covered this war as a journalist and initially held preconceived notions about foreign plots against the republic but later recognized the reality on the ground.
Insights from "The Sertões"
- Da Cunha’s book "The Sertões" combines elements of history, geography, sociology, and anthropology while addressing race issues prevalent in the late 19th century.