When I was contemplating which books to choose between earlier this semester I was conflicted between this one and Papi. Ultimately, I made my choice somewhat vacuously based on name. More precisely, the difference in name between the Spanish and English version of the text listed on the UBC Library website. The English My Tender Matador sounds much more like a love story than Tengo Miedo Torero (“I Have Bullfighter/Matador Fear”?) which I have also seen written as Tengo Miedo, Torero (“I’m scared, Bullfighter/Matador”). Apologies if the direct translations aren’t exactly accurate, but the impression remains the same: the English title seems like a light romance, whereas the Spanish version appears quite grave and grim.
Indeed, My Tender Matador straddles both the romantic and historical fiction genres making it difficult to determine which one takes precedence over the over, if such an arrangement exists at all. I think the setting of the novel- 1980s Chile under the militantly homophobic Pinochet regime- is essential to contextualize the romance between La Loca and Carlos. However, the relationship between these two characters equally informs the reader of the sociopolitical context of 1980s Chile.
Given this balance between its historical and romantic elements, why would the Spanish title differ so greatly from the English one? My first thought is that it simply a marketing matter. Perhaps English readers are more susceptible to a love story. So, my question for this week is: Why do you think the English title My Tender Matador isn’t a direct translation of Tengo Miedo Torero? Which title do you prefer? Do you think the title you chose better conveys the “spirit” of the novel?
In response to this week’s question, I think the “real” nature of actual people is impossible for others to find, let alone that of fictional characters. I believe people can only know their own self enough to determine their “real nature”- even then a warped perception of self can ruin the whole endeavour. From my understanding, queer theory disproves of essentialism. The identities of La Loca and Carlos are mutable, and can change in both invisible and visible ways. Hence, there is no “real” La Loca nor Carlos. They definitely play and blend between roles for survival to disguise themselves in some way. I just don’t think this acting necessarily says anything about their inherent selves in this particular case, especially as their “roles” are borne from societal obligation. Really only they can figure out their “true selves”, if such a concept exists.
Katherine, I’ve asked myself that question about the title of the novel and how it changes our perception of the story. We’ll talk about that tomorrow. But I would like to point out now that “roles” in society can also be chosen if there is even a minimal degree of agency. It seems to me that the characters are very aware of this and that is why they recognize each other. They become allies, although they also influence each other.
In response to your prompt, and building from Daniel’s response above,
There certainly is a degree of influence between the two characters here – not only to help maintain a degree of secrecy, helped by an “unexpected” allyship – but also in the way that each of them exposes the other to an entirely new philosophy (whether of national politics, or identity politics) – ultimately shaping who they are as caring and intelligent individuals.
In terms of a comparison between the two titles – I feel the sentiments much more meaningfully in the: “I’m scared” which signifies the climate of 20th century Chile much more than “my tender”. Nonetheless, the matador too, in its own right, holds a lot of power reflective of some sort of elitism, but also of danger, for the bullfighting symbol. If I were forced to choose, I feel like “Tengo Miedo Torero?” is more fitting of the queen’s initial powerlessness, or perhaps rather her avoidance of all things politics, before being swallowed into the depths of admiration for the guillera.
Excited to hear everyone else’s thoughts tomorrow!
Hi Katherine! Thank you for sharing your thoughts☺︎
As a non-Spanish speaker, I think the English title is appropriate. It is as if such a society accepts the “‘Queen of the Corner” and her companions as the standard by which to measure the strength of one’s masculinity. In fact, I think the excellent title “My Tender Matador” is in its element here. But if I could speak Spanish, I would surely be confused. Whenever I see English movie titles translated into strange Japanese, I get very disappointed.