Glossary
Ambigüedad (Ambiguity)
A literary device that creates uncertainty or allows for multiple interpretations, often blurring boundaries between concepts.
Example:
The ending of 'Don Quijote' leaves a sense of ambigüedad regarding the true nature of sanity and madness, prompting readers to ponder its meaning.
Autobiografía (Autobiography)
A literary genre where a person writes the story of their own life.
Example:
Frida Kahlo's paintings often served as a visual autobiografía, depicting her personal struggles and triumphs.
Borges (literary persona)
The exaggerated, public, and literary identity created by the author, distinct from his private self and embodying his published works.
Example:
The Borges (literary persona) is the celebrated author whose works are studied in universities, a figure almost separate from the man who writes them.
El proceso creativo (The creative process)
The series of steps or stages involved in generating new ideas and transforming them into a finished artistic work.
Example:
From brainstorming to final edits, el proceso creativo can be a messy but ultimately rewarding journey for any artist.
El ser y la creación literaria (Being and literary creation)
The interplay between an author's existence and the act of producing literary works, often exploring how one influences the other.
Example:
For many writers, el ser y la creación literaria are inseparable; their life experiences directly fuel their narratives and characters.
Jorge Luis Borges
An influential Argentine writer, poet, and essayist known for his imaginative and philosophical storytelling.
Example:
Students often find Borges's short stories, like 'El Aleph,' to be mind-bending and thought-provoking, showcasing the unique style of Jorge Luis Borges.
La creación literaria (Literary creation)
The process of artistic production, specifically the act of writing and forming literary works.
Example:
The painstaking process of drafting, revising, and editing is all part of la creación literaria for a novelist.
La dualidad del ser (The duality of being)
A central theme exploring the existence of two distinct, often conflicting, aspects within a single entity or individual.
Example:
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde perfectly illustrate la dualidad del ser, showing the struggle between good and evil within one person.
La imagen pública y la imagen privada (Public image and private image)
The contrast between how an individual is perceived by society and their true, inner self.
Example:
Many celebrities grapple with the tension between la imagen pública y la imagen privada, as their carefully constructed persona often differs from their personal reality.
La introspección (Introspection)
The act of self-examination and deep contemplation of one's own thoughts, feelings, and motives.
Example:
After a significant life event, many people engage in la introspección to understand their reactions and personal growth.
La literatura autoconsciente (Self-conscious literature)
Literature that is aware of its own status as a fictional construct, often commenting on its own form or the act of storytelling.
Example:
When a novel includes a character who is also writing a novel, it often becomes a piece of la literatura autoconsciente, reflecting on its own artistry.
Magical realism
A literary genre where magical or impossible elements are presented in a realistic or mundane setting, often exploring philosophical themes.
Example:
Gabriel García Márquez's 'Cien años de soledad' is a prime example of magical realism, where characters fly and ghosts interact with the living as if it were commonplace.
Metafiction
A literary device where a work of fiction self-consciously draws attention to its own fictional nature, often by breaking the fourth wall or discussing the act of writing.
Example:
When a character in a novel comments on the author's choices or the structure of the book itself, that's an instance of metafiction at play.
Narrador en primera persona (First-person narrator)
A narrative technique where the story is told from the perspective of 'I,' allowing direct insight into the narrator's thoughts and feelings.
Example:
In 'Lazarillo de Tormes,' the entire story unfolds through the eyes of the protagonist, making it a classic example of a narrador en primera persona.
Paradoja (Paradox)
A statement or situation that appears self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth upon closer examination.
Example:
The phrase 'less is more' is a paradoja because it seems contradictory but conveys the idea that simplicity can lead to greater impact.
Perspectiva (Perspective)
The point of view from which a story is told, influencing how events and characters are perceived by the reader.
Example:
Understanding the perspectiva of the conquistadors versus the indigenous people is crucial when analyzing historical accounts of the Americas.
The "Yo" (Narrator)
In 'Borges y yo,' this represents the real-life Jorge Luis Borges, the personal self who experiences internal conflict and self-reflection.
Example:
The "Yo" (Narrator) in the essay struggles with the public perception of his literary fame versus his private, everyday existence.