Glossary
Belisa Crepusculario
The protagonist of 'Dos Palabras,' an independent and resilient woman who earns a living by selling words, demonstrating their profound power and transformative potential.
Example:
Belisa Crepusculario transforms the Colonel's life not with weapons, but with carefully chosen words.
El Boom Latinamericano
A significant literary movement in the 1960s and 70s where Latin American authors gained international recognition, often challenging traditional narrative structures and exploring new themes.
Example:
Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, and Isabel Allende are prominent figures associated with El Boom Latinamericano.
El Mulato
The Colonel's loyal follower who brings Belisa Crepusculario to him, serving as a catalyst for the main plot and the Colonel's encounter with Belisa.
Example:
El Mulato acts as the bridge between the Colonel's world of power and Belisa's world of words.
Escapism
The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, often through entertainment or imaginative pursuits. In the context of El Boom, it refers to literature offering a way to escape harsh political realities.
Example:
For many readers during politically turbulent times, the fantastical elements of realismo mágico offered a form of escapism.
Gender Equality
A social issue and recurring theme in Isabel Allende's works, highlighting the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all genders, often through strong female characters.
Example:
Belisa's independence and self-sufficiency in a male-dominated world subtly address the theme of gender equality.
Isabel Allende
A renowned Chilean-American author born in 1942, known for her works of magical realism, often exploring themes of social justice, gender equality, and the power of storytelling.
Example:
Isabel Allende masterfully blends historical events with fantastical elements in many of her novels, like La casa de los espíritus.
Power of Words
A central theme in 'Dos Palabras' illustrating how language can transform individuals, influence perceptions, and wield significant social and political impact.
Example:
Belisa's ability to sell stories, news, and secret phrases exemplifies the profound power of words to shape reality.
Realismo Mágico
A literary style where magical or fantastical elements are seamlessly integrated into a realistic setting, often challenging conventional perceptions of reality and time.
Example:
In Cien años de soledad, Remedios la Bella ascends to heaven while folding laundry, a classic example of realismo mágico.
The Colonel
A feared rebel leader in 'Dos Palabras' who seeks Belisa's help to craft a political speech and undergoes a significant personal transformation due to her influence and the secret words she gives him.
Example:
Despite his fearsome reputation, The Colonel is ultimately vulnerable to the power of love and words.