I found My Tender Matador to be a more enjoyable and smooth read than some of the past books or passages we have read, like Borges or De La Parra. I think this was not only due to the style of writing Lemebel uses, but also the content itself, which draws upon and parallels the political and LGBTQ tensions in Chile, specifically in Santiago. Lemebel’s ability to create realistic, deep characters that carry much more to them than I initially thought, further applied to a real life situation where student revolutionists attempt an assassination on the president Pinochet, created a very interesting read. Initially I didn’t even realize this was a book based on a real assassination attempt in 1986. The two most important characters, Carlos and La Loca, have a very unique dynamic. Carlos uses her home as a base for his group’s revolutionary progression, convincing her (or more her convincing herself) that he is just a student. Even though their relationship begins partially from deceit, this theme of deceit and disguise becomes more central to the Carlos and La Loca’s character development, and also their relationship too. As the professor stated in this week’s video on My Tender Matador, the book’s use of LGBTQ and political suppression tie smoothly into the jumble of truths and lies Carlos and La Loca use to protect themselves from the oppressive political regime and general social pressure.
I think the necessity for disguises and lies made the whole read more enjoyable, as it was not just the others Carlos and La Loca would hide from and lie to, but each other as well. As I read more about each of the characters, and how perceptive they were, especially of each other, I wasn’t surprised to find out that La Loca convinced herself that the reason for Carlos using her house was for studies. I think, even though La Loca wasn’t really political, she knew what she was getting herself into. It reminded me of other Latin-American books or movies, where a political instigator, usually a revolutionary, finds romance with a non-political character, and then draws them in to their cause without trying. Even though it isn’t the most original thing, it is definitely a good motif and so far, it’s been pretty unique to only Latin American literature, at least in my experience. I liked how in-depth many of the descriptions of deceit were, but they still probably would’ve gone over my head if I had not been looking for them, since this theme is tied so heavily to the storyline and characters.
“She bowed to them with a gallant and extravagant gesture, anything to avoid
opening her mouth and showing them her empty gums. Better to remain on
their good side, she thought, or they’ll skin you alive. Anyway, she knew
they talked about her behind her back, but they told funny stories, gentle
anecdotes. He seems so happy. And why shouldn’t he be, with that
regiment of men coming to see him? But not all of them are, you know. …
At least that Carlos is, or that’s what they call him. Whenever he says that
boy’s name, he acts like Rapunzel letting down her hair. He can’t hide it.” (34)
Even in every day experiences, Lemebel mixes in the faux actions and comments that every person makes, whether it be out of politeness, fear, or any other motivator. It made me think about just to what extent I myself under or overstate things. It ties really well with La Loca’s character as well, given that she is a transgender drag queen. Especially one in Chile, during an incredibly rocky dictatorship, I can easily see why our professor specifically focused on the ‘game of deception’ in this book.
What theme or motif do you think has been most common in the books, short stories, and other literature we have read? Which one has been your favorite?
“I think, even though La Loca wasn’t really political, she knew what she was getting into.” Or perhaps his way of doing politics is different, but he may have moments of encounter with that of the guerrillas or revolutionaries. It is true that this novel reminds us of others, such as The Kiss of the Spider Woman or Strawberry and Chocolate, although it seems to me that it opens up other possibilities to propose tactics against oppressive regimes. They are eccentric characters, that is to say outside the center, that are brought into our field of vision from the spaces in which they inhabit (cinemas, bars, etc.).
Hi! I like how you mentioned the idea of how La Loca did in fact know what was going on with Carlos and his friends. I think her fooling herself was her way of not trying to get caught up in the politics at the time but in a way choosing to ignore Carlos’ intentions and his friends actions is in a way picking a side as well. I think some common themes throughout the majority of the books we have read is peoples reaction to war, politics, and dictatorship. These novels all feel like peoples perspectives to the scenes that are going on during the time even if they are not directly mentioned ].
-Jordan C
Hi there!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on My Tender Matador. I enjoyed reading what you had to say about the importance of disguises and almost intentional deceit without the added sense of maliciousness. Although I did feel like Carlos had the intention of deceit through his fake name and attitudes and La Loca more so wanted to express herself and be free of the societal pressures and confinements around them. To answer your question, Im not sure if I could pick just one theme. I think the Lemebel does a very unique and interesting job of using a love story, to bring attention to those in society who are often intentional disregarded, discriminated against and ignored. So in a way I would say love is a theme, but more so how love and its challenges are affected and shaped by the political climate in Chile at the time.
It was definitely Pedro Lemebel’s intention to make the everyday life political when that life could be wiped out by an oppressive regime at any moment. If I had to pick a single theme for the books we have been reading these past weeks, I would pick loss, each character seems to reflect on something that they lost or never had the chance to have in the first place.