This week’s reading is “the introduction to Magic Realism”, and it was interesting to read it with the spoilers the professor gave. Just like professor Jon mentioned in class when he gave us a spoiler about Pedro Paramo. Going in knowing that almost all the characters would be dead. It partially ruined a little the “suspense” and excitement of finding that out for yourself, but at the same time, it was also valuable. It made diving into the book and understanding it easier and cleared up some things that would have confused me or tripped me off had I not known.
I really like this concept that characterizes the magical realism of the uncertain. Juan and we, as readers, need clarification for a while about whether it’s objective. From the start, Juan starts seeing his mother and hearing things at some point. He is imagining, and even at some point, I questioned if he was dead, and we weren’t aware of it. And, of course, he does die midway through the book, but I found out later.
Another off-putting thing is the timeline. I had to google it at some point since it confused me a bit, and I found out it needed to be in order. It is not linear like I am used to. That fashion of storytelling that does not follow linear narration is not my favourite when it comes to reading it. I enjoy the complexity of movies, but when it is in reading, it throws me off a little, which in the end, makes me appreciate the overall story a bit less.
I really enjoyed the theme of this reading. The concept of dreams and passion, and motivation is a great one. It has a lot of versatility when it comes to storytelling, especially in a genre such as magic realism.
My question for you this week. This whole idea of what happens to all of our dreams and our motivation of who we wanted to be go when we die? What becomes of us when we die without becoming who we could have been. Anyways, honoring johns request to make the questions more about the book and its characters rather than about you folks, is …
What character story is the one that compelled you the most and why? Like for example, Susasa, Juan, and Fulgor. Etc.
Thank you for reading my post this week; I can’t wait to read yours.
:))
DanielOrizaga
February 12, 2023 — 9:48 pm
I am not very sure about the need to find traces of magical realism in Pedro Páramo. It is true that this is discussed in academic spaces, but what is important, it seems to me, is your own experience with the texts, even if they are strange or confusing (or you don’t like them outright). Above all, those questions that remain resonating with you after reading these novels, stories or poems. It is always helpful to watch Dr. Beasley-Murray’s video lectures, (and of course if you have questions you can email me or come in during office hours.)
katherine
February 12, 2023 — 9:52 pm
I think Dorotea’s unique position as a narrator adds some insight into her character. I also was interested in Eduviges, who also played a vital role in constructing the narrative herself. The background and fate of Juan Preciado is also intriguing. I’ve never read a novel where the main character ends up in purgatory!
julia gomez-coronado dominguez
February 13, 2023 — 10:19 am
Hello Montse, I loved your post! Out of all the characters’ stories, I would choose Susana and the balance of her character with love, power, betrayal, and death. The book narrates the story of the betrayal she suffers after her relationship with Pedro Páramo, which demonstrates her vulnerable situation in being exposed to the corrupting influence of power. Her tragic fate is an example of the ways in which love and desire can be corrupted by power and greed, which are central themes in the novel.
Nicholas Latimer
February 13, 2023 — 12:19 pm
Hi there!
You’re question for this weeks is pretty fitting for me because I am having a really hard time understanding the perspective of Susana.
I wrote in my blog post about how Rulfo gracefully ties together a story of avenging his mother’s death (by setting out to take back what was his & his mothers from Pablo) and of love (perhaps seen for Pablo in more than one case, but of course, in Susana).
I suppose we can say that she was the force that tied together the themes of how love lead to corruption and need for revenge. She is vulnerable, and cheated. For me – pulling this off as a story of more than revenge, but of lust, was most impressive.