LOS RÍOS PROFUNDOS de José María Arguedas | Resumen por capítulos y Análisis literario
Introduction to the Novel
The novel begins with the chapter titled "El Viejo," introducing the protagonist, Ernesto, a 14-year-old boy, and his father, Gabriel. They travel to Cusco in search of a wealthy relative named El Viejo.
Exploring Different Towns
Chapter: Los Viajes
- Ernesto and his father travel through various towns in the Sierra region seeking work.
- Ernesto shares anecdotes from their journey through these places.
Arrival at Abancay
Chapter: La Despedida
- Ernesto and his father arrive in Abancay. His father rents a shop for his legal services.
- Ernesto enrolls in a boarding school while his father continues his travels.
Visit to Patibamba Hacienda
Chapter: La Hacienda
- Ernesto visits Patibamba Hacienda near Abancay where he encounters reluctance from the Indian laborers towards him.
- Father Linares, the school director and priest, influences the indigenous people to be subservient to landowners.
Struggles of Ernesto
Chapter: Puente sobre el Mundo
- Ernesto feels alienated as he faces rejection from both indigenous people and landowners.
- Descriptions of Guanopata neighborhood and its historical bridge are provided.
Themes of Rejection and Displacement
Chapter: Zumbayu
- Antero introduces a magical spinning top (zumbayo) to Ernesto, symbolizing innocence amidst conflicts.
- Interactions between students reveal bullying dynamics within the school community.
Exploration of School Life
Chapter: El Motín
- Antero prevents a fight between students by fostering reconciliation through play.
- A riot led by chicheras against landowners unfolds, showcasing social tensions.
Social Unrest and Consequences
Chapter: Quebrada Honda
- After involvement with chicheras, Ernesto faces consequences but learns about moral dilemmas from Father Director.
- Introduction of a magical spinning top that can send messages adds an element of mysticism.
Escalation of Conflicts
Chapter: Calicanto
- Military intervention occurs to suppress chichera rebellion led by Doña Felipa.
- Relationships among characters deepen as they navigate societal upheavals.
Bonds Formed Amidst Turmoil
Chapter: Jaguar Mayo
- Interaction with military personnel provides insights into power dynamics within the community.
Analysis of "Los Ríos Profundos" by José María Arguedas
This section delves into the analysis of the novel "Los Ríos Profundos" by José María Arguedas, focusing on key themes, conflicts, and literary elements present in the work.
Conflict Between Andean and Western Worlds
- The novel explores the conflict between the Andean and Western worlds through the perspective of a nostalgic child named Ernesto.
- Themes such as discrimination, social class struggles, development, and violence are vividly portrayed in the narrative.
Indigenism and Cultural Reclamation
- Arguedas showcases indigenous culture through indigenism, humanizing native people with their strengths and flaws.
- The novel highlights cultural clashes between whites and indigenous people, emphasizing how ecclesiastical presence maintains dominance over natives.
Poetic Language and Real Marvellous Elements
- Arguedas employs poetic language with a blend of Spanish and Quechua in his narrative.
- The concept of real marvellous is evident through animate surroundings like ancient Cusco walls, reflecting a child's awe.
Autobiographical Elements and Critical Acclaim
- The novel contains autobiographical elements from Arguedas' life experiences.
- Critic Antonio Cornejo Polar praises how "Los Ríos Profundos" propelled Arguedas to international recognition for its lyrical language.
Uniting Cultural Identities
- Mario Vargas Llosa commends the book for its elegant style, emotional depth, and portrayal of Andean life.