#AP Spanish Literature Study Guide: "Nuestra América" by José Martí

Welcome! This guide will help you navigate José Martí's powerful essay, "Nuestra América." Let's make sure you're ready to ace that exam! 🚀

#1. Context: Understanding the World of Martí

#1.1 Author Background

• José Martí: Cuban poet, essayist, and journalist. A key figure in Latin American literature and politics. 🇨🇺
• Fought for Cuban independence and the rights of the oppressed.

 *Image Courtesy of Britannica*

#1.2 Time and Place

• 📜Historical: Late 19th century, South America. A time of post-colonial struggle for identity and autonomy.
• 🗺️Geographic: Focus on the geographic unity of South America, emphasizing its diverse landscapes and resources.

#1.3 Societal Context

• 👑Political: Political unrest, authoritarianism, corruption, and external interference were rampant. Martí called for democratic, just governments and unity.

* **🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏻Socio-economic:** Inequalities, resource exploitation, and marginalization of indigenous populations were major issues. Martí advocated for social justice and education. * **🎭Cultural:** A rich mix of indigenous, European, and African influences. Martí urged embracing this diversity and rejecting cultural imperialism. 💡

#2. Key Elements of “Nuestra América”

#2.1 Characters

• No traditional characters. The essay focuses on Martí's ideas and the collective identity of Latin America, not individual stories.

#2.2 Literary Terms and Devices

• **Metáfora (Me...