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The complexity of Latin American
Literature cannot be defined with a few sentences or a couple of short
paragraphs. The Latin American diaspora is extensive, which makes a simplistic
explanation futile. Prior to engaging with Latin American Literature one must
have an understanding and know the ambiguity between Latino/Hispanic
Literature, Spanish Literature, and Latin American Literature. Is there a
difference? Geographically, yes; however, its cultural and historical roots are
often intertwined.
Latino/Hispanic Literature:
Predominantly associated with Hispanic/Latino/Chicano/etc. authors from the
United States. For example, while some label Gloria Anzaldua as a
Latina/Chicana AND Latin American author, others solely label her as a Chicana
author.
Spanish Literature:
Literature written in the Castilian language -- synonymous with Spanish.
Interestingly enough, not all Spanish novels are considered Spanish literature,
unless they derived from Spain. Again, this is an ambiguous term and is often
interchanged with others, depending on the scholar. For a historical view on
Spanish Literature, click HERE.
Latin American and Caribbean
Literature:
Latin American Literature grew in
popularity during the second half of the twentieth century, in part due to the
prominence of magical realism. Latin American literature encompasses the
cultural heritage and nationality of various Latin American countries, including
those from the Caribbean. To some scholars, Caribbean literature may be used as
its own separate genre. From Britannica.com: “Latin American
literature, the national literatures of the Spanish-speaking countries of
the Western Hemisphere. Historically, it also includes the literary expression
of the highly developed American Indian civilizations conquered by the
Spaniards. Over the years, Latin American literature has developed a rich and
complex diversity of themes, forms, creative idioms, and styles.”
Short description of Latin American Literature from Enotes:
"Latin American literature encompasses the national literatures of South and Central America, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and parts of the West Indies. Its roots lie in European language and literary traditions, combined with themes and images drawn from the physical landscape and indigenous cultures of the South American continent. As early as the 1600s European colonists documented their experiences in the New World. When Latin American colonies began to declare independence from Europe in the early part of the nineteenth century, the climate of rebellion fostered a desire among many writers to create a literature that accurately reflected the lives and concerns of Latin Americans. While the tradition of Romanticism that developed in Europe during the nineteenth century had been favored by early Latin American novelists and poets, this style gradually gave way to greater realism, increased focus on the lives of ordinary people, and, with few exceptions, an intense concern with social and political reform. Magical realism, or the introduction of supernatural or uncanny elements into otherwise realistic narrative, also became a common feature in the works of many Latin American writers during the second half of the twentieth century. Since the 1940s and the "Boom" period of the 1960s, Latin American literature has become increasingly available to a worldwide audience."
Short description of Latin American Literature from Enotes:
"Latin American literature encompasses the national literatures of South and Central America, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and parts of the West Indies. Its roots lie in European language and literary traditions, combined with themes and images drawn from the physical landscape and indigenous cultures of the South American continent. As early as the 1600s European colonists documented their experiences in the New World. When Latin American colonies began to declare independence from Europe in the early part of the nineteenth century, the climate of rebellion fostered a desire among many writers to create a literature that accurately reflected the lives and concerns of Latin Americans. While the tradition of Romanticism that developed in Europe during the nineteenth century had been favored by early Latin American novelists and poets, this style gradually gave way to greater realism, increased focus on the lives of ordinary people, and, with few exceptions, an intense concern with social and political reform. Magical realism, or the introduction of supernatural or uncanny elements into otherwise realistic narrative, also became a common feature in the works of many Latin American writers during the second half of the twentieth century. Since the 1940s and the "Boom" period of the 1960s, Latin American literature has become increasingly available to a worldwide audience."
Latin American Literature History:I normally stray from using Wikipedia as a source; however, I have yet to find an in-depth online article that adequately explains the various events, styles, and movements that have shaped Latin American Literature.
Click on any of the literary movements below to be directed to the Latin American Literature wiki.
Post-Columbian Literature
ColonialLiterature
19th Century Literature
Modernismo and Boom Precursors
Poetry After Modernismo
The Boom
Post-boom and Contemporary Literature
Click HERE for a condensed version pertaining to the literary movements,
styles, and events that have shaped Latin American Literature.
Interested in learning more?
Visit the following sites:
This site offers regional sources, journals and magazines, country resources, international resources, and literature awards:
Latin American Boom:
Was the Latin American boom a marketing
ploy or a literary movement? Read
for yourself (pdf file).
Latin American History:
HERE is a historical timeline of
Latin America, from 1487 to Present
NOTE: All
links should open in a new window or tab. If a link fails to open, double-check
your pop-up blocker.
I do not take ownership over any images on this site. For questions, comments, or concerns, please send an e-mail to latinamericanliterature@gmail.com.