So, before I start on the novel, I learned a new word today: picaresque ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ I found myself really enjoying this format, with each chapter feeling like a short story woven together by a constant protagonist.
I also just enjoyed the book in general! The first chapter, the band of thieves, felt wholesome in a way, despite their actions. They felt like children (they were still children (•́ ᴖ •̀)) playing in the streets, slowly exploring the world around them. The joy they seemed to feel from their thefts was the only thing that kept me from going “aww ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)”, and the overall chaotic nature of that teenaged year feels like it would still be relatable to many even now.
Honestly, I mainly feel bad for Silvio. Sure, he’s flawed and definitely does things that end up making his own life worse, but even the times he genuinely tries end up badly for him. He’s promised a job by Señor Souza but is turned away; he’s curious and inventive, but is told that that’s not needed for the army. He seems to think very highly of himself (such as when the army captain points out how he still has a long way to go in his inventions) but he is also determined to make a name for himself and rise above his station.
In return, it feels like every time he puts his trust in society, he is proven wrong (╥‸╥) More than any other coming-of-age protagonist I had come across before, Silvio deals not only with self-discovery but also with the systems in his environment that are unfortunately set up against him. The hypocrisy and disappointments he faces wear on him throughout the book. His adolescent dreams and admiration for his literary heroes seem to clash against the reality that he is in.
(I also found it ironic and sad how he so strongly wanted to write, yet ended up in roles related to literature, but not to writing himself (like working at the bookstore and selling paper))
As such, I love what Professor Bollig pointed out in the conversation video regarding betrayal: in the end, not only did Silvio cause the downfall of the man he admired most, in doing so, he betrays the nation state in a way by revealing that success rested on dishonesty; the way to carve one’s way up in society is through low acts.
In general, the multiple hypocrisies through the book stayed with me the strongest. In what ways do the hypocrisy of the institutions around Silvio impact his own actions/betrayal?
This was a great read and I’m excited to discuss everything in class ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
See you tomorrow!
Julie ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
4 replies on “Arlt – hypocrisy at every turn (╥‸╥)”
Hi Julie!
Interesting analysis! It shows a in depth reading of both videos and novel.
I agree that betrayal of society and State is key to the novel.
Please share your thoughts and ideas on the class!
If you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to make two comments on your classmates’ blogs
See you tomorrow.
Julián.
I liked how you focused on hypocrisy, because that’s what stood out to me the most too. The way you describe institutions acting moral but constantly failing Silvio really explains why he ends up betraying people himself. It feels like he learns that rules don’t really mean anything when the people in charge don’t follow them. After being disappointed so many times, it makes sense that he stops caring about loyalty or honesty.
Hi Julie,
Your blog is engaging! Thank you ^_^ I like that you describe the follow as a short story collection in cycle. I would definitely enjoy an expanded version of this story in short stories! I like your thematic reading of the State.
Hey! I really enjoyed going through this, especially when you spoke about Silvio as a figure caught between aspiration and structural exclusion. And I also think your point about betrayal feeling almost inevitable would set up a good question for class discussion!