Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byBrandon Nash Modified over 9 years ago
1
Carpentier Born in Cuba Lived in Cuba, Paris, and Venezuela Connected European and Latin American lit. Considered a father of modern Latin American lit. Was a journalist during WWII Also studied music
2
Magical Realism “lo real maravilloso” Genre in which magical elements or illogical scenarios appear in an otherwise realistic/normal setting Magic and reality are blurred Looking at life through a child’s eye History and geography of Latin America are both so extreme that they appear fictional or magical to outsiders (Carpentier)
3
The Lost Steps Published 1953 Musicologist flees empty existence in NYC Narrator journeys with mistress (Mouche) to a place untouched by civilization - upper reaches of a great South American river
4
The text is a journey through space and time Written in 1st person Unnamed narrator: protagonist Wife: Ruth (theater actress) Mistress: Mouche (French name = fly) Structure: can be read as a diary, includes fragments of the past; recollections
5
Themes Time (what is timeless?), (time enslaves us) The past Civilization “hollow men” / “empty men” Modern existence Existentialism
6
A philosophy of human existence and decision The study of being and decision, the nature of existence Began in 20th century Discusses: freedom of choice, self determination, and responsibility We make ourselves and our lives; we create our own meaning to life
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.