A Modernism of the Unrest. On Four Short Novels by Amado Nervo Cover Image

Un modernismo del desasosiego. En torno a cuatro novelas breves de Amado Nervo
A Modernism of the Unrest. On Four Short Novels by Amado Nervo

Author(s): Amán Rosales Rodríguez
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, Other Language Literature, Theory of Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: Mexican Literature; Fantastic Literature; Spanish-American Short Novel; Spanish-American Modernism

Summary/Abstract: Concentrated on four short novels by the prominent Mexican modernist writer Amado Nervo (1870–1919), namely, “El donador de almas” (1899), “Mencía” (1907), “El sexto sentido” (1913) and “Amnesia” (1918), this article argues that Nervo uses the fear sentiment in a subtle and quiet way, but nonetheless effective in its purpose of generating an atmosphere of unrest and mystery. Although Nervo’s stories show similitude with those of, for instance, R. Darío and L. Lugones, through a skilful use of dark humor, ironic distance and moderate skepticism, the author creates a disturbing and mysterious world very much of his own. In this article, Nervo’s fantastic texts are also viewed in the context of the rich Spanish American Modernist movement.

  • Issue Year: 11/2016
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 95-106
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Spanish