Introduction
Celebrating the anniversary of someone’s death can feel like a chilling paradox, evoking an air of monumentality and the texture of stone, bronze, or marble. It’s an invitation to a journey that many prefer not to accept. This is the case with Jaime Torres Bodet, a Mexican poet whose fame has not matched his contributions and who remains largely unknown to many.
Jaime Torres Bodet: A Literary Pioneer
Born in Mexico City in 1902, Torres Bodet entered the annals of Mexican literature in 1918 with his book of verses, “Fervor,” which was prologued by Enrique González Martínez. His early works were still respectful of French symbolism and the Rubén Darío school. Gradually, influenced by contemporaries, he read “Revista de Occidente” and “La Nouvelle Revue Française,” understanding the magnificent revelry of his times. He delved into Gide, accompanied Proust in searching for lost time, learned monólogos internos from Joyce, was passionate about Antonio Machado, stood in awe of Dostoevsky, dove into Cocteau’s depths, and followed Juan Ramón Jiménez, Giraudoux, Ortega y Gasset, Morand, Soupault, Girard, and Henry James, among others. By 1925, he had already published seven books after such a long literary journey.
Beyond Literature: A National Alfabetization Crusader
Torres Bodet not only followed this literary path but also championed the national campaign for adult literacy in Mexico, asserting that education should begin with the basics: reading and writing. He embarked on this endless task, facilitating access to the “Biblioteca Enciclopédica Popular” follets for all alfabetized individuals. He founded the Federal Institute of Teacher Training, invented the free textbook, and had a distinguished diplomatic career.
Juan Rulfo: A Silent Voice from Jalisco
In this month of various celebrated dates and institutional milestones, we also have undeniable literary celebrations. For instance, one of our favorite figures: Juan Rulfo, born on May 16, 1917, in Sayula (though some say Apulco, near San Gabriel, Jalisco). His biographers claim he was silent but always insisted he first saw light in Apulco.
The Enigma of Rulfo’s Work
Many have sought logical reasons for his remarkable work, even resorting to illogical psychology, emphasizing the orphaned status of the writer. At six, his father, sharing his name, was assassinated, and at ten, his mother died. Many wondered if this void didn’t push him to write in the opening line of his most famous work, “Pedro Páramo,” where he searched for his father in a place filled with ghosts and living dead.
Rulfo’s Insight on His Work
When asked about his inspiration and the meaning behind his work, Rulfo remained silent. Almost 30 years passed until, in an article for Excélsior, he confessed that his writing stemmed from an internal impulse and that literary creation resulted from a writer’s dissatisfaction with reality. He wrote intimately and in solitude, assuring readers that his stories weren’t copies of reality but products of his unique experiences.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Jaime Torres Bodet? A Mexican poet who significantly contributed to literature but remains largely unknown.
- What was Torres Bodet’s literary journey like? He started with symbolism and gradually moved towards contemporary literature, influenced by various authors and movements.
- What else did Torres Bodet do besides literature? He championed the national campaign for adult literacy in Mexico and had a distinguished diplomatic career.
- Who is Juan Rulfo? A Mexican writer born in 1917, known for his silent yet profound work.
- What’s the enigma surrounding Rulfo’s work? His personal life, marked by loss, has led many to seek logical reasons for his remarkable work.
- What did Rulfo say about his writing? In an article for Excélsior, he confessed that his writing came from an internal impulse and was a result of his dissatisfaction with reality.
