The Playboy of the Western World: A Romance of the Argentine

by José Mármol, Mint Editions (Contribution by)

Overview

Amalia: A Romance of the Argentine (1851) is a novel by José Mármol. Originally serialized while Mármol lived in exile in Montevideo, the novel became a symbol of Argentine national identity following the defeat of brutal dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas in 1852. Mármol, a leading critic of the Rosist regime, used autobiographical details to compose this masterful story of romance and political resistance, elevating the personal to the level of the national without losing sight of the everyday struggle of dissidents. Adapted twice into film, Amalia remains a timeless work of Latin American fiction from a leading figure of the Romantic era. Set during the violent regime of caudillo Juan Manuel de Rosas, Amalia follows two lovers brought together by political repression. Forced to go into hiding during a government crackdown on dissidents, Eduardo finds safety at the home of Amalia, a beautiful young woman. Protected by Amalia and her cousin Daniel, Eduardo grows weary of living in constant fear of the Rosist death squads stalking the streets of Buenos Aires, and longs for a day when liberty and justice will set him free. Despite their blossoming romance, Eduardo and Amalia know they face mortal danger, that every decision they make will come with the risk of discovery. Regardless, they persevere. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of José Mármol’s Amalia: A Romance of the Argentine is a classic of Argentine literature reimagined for modern readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781513279343
Publisher:	West Margin Press
Publication date:	06/21/2021
Series:	Mint Editions Series
Pages:	324
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

José Mármol (1818-1871) was an Argentine poet, novelist, and journalist. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, he left law school for a career in politics. In 1839, he was arrested by the regime of Juan Manuel de Rosas and was forced to flee within two years for his political opposition. In Montevideo, he befriended a vibrant community of fellow exiles including Esteban Echeverría and Juan Bautista Alberdi. Several years later, Mármol fled to Rio de Janeiro following the siege of Montevideo by Manuel Oribe, an ally of Rosas. He returned in 1845 and remained in Uruguay for seven years. In the Uruguayan capital, he founded three journals and gained a reputation as a prominent political poet. His twelve-canto autobiographical poem El Peregrino (1847) and a collection of his lyric poems placed Mármol at the forefront of the Latin American Romantic school. He is perhaps remembered most for his Costumbrist novel Amalia (1851), which was recognized as Argentina’s national novel following the defeat of Rosas in 1852. Mármol returned after thirteen years in exile to serve as a senator, national deputy, and diplomat to Brazil. From 1858 until his retirement due to blindness, Rosas served as the director of the Biblioteca Nacional de la República Argentina, a position later held by his fellow countryman Jorge Luis Borges.

Table of Contents

Chronology vii

Commentary 1

Contexts 2

Social, Economic and Political Contexts 2

Cultural Context 4

Themes 7

Class 7

Gender and Sexuality 8

Religion 8

Mental Health 9

Dramatic Devices 10

Style and Structure 10

Setting 13

Characterization 14

Language 16

Production History 18

Premiere 18

Significant Revivals and Adaptations 19

Critical Reception 21

Academic Debate 23

Further Study 24

Notes 26

The Playboy of the Western World 29

Notes on the Text 96

Editorial Reviews

This award-winning audio producer's latest effort reprises the critically acclaimed Pacific Resident Theatre's full-cast production of Synge's Irish comedic classic, starring Orson Bean, Alexander Enberg, and Jacqueline Heinze. The author's 1907 wickedly satiric masterpiece is a trenchant attack on the acceptance of appearances in a small Irish village. Christy Mahon turns up at the home of Michael Flaherty and his daughter, Peegen Mike, and is accepted by the town as a hero following his boastful story of murdering his tyrannical father. The town, especially the women, is seduced by Christy but ultimately turns savagely against him when his "slain" father appears looking for his son. The language is beautifully poetic and lush while being firmly grounded in the colloquial idioms and dialect of rural Ireland. The cast is, without exception, outstanding, and Bean is a delight. The technical quality is consistent with L.A. Theatre Works' high standards of professional excellence. A real gem.--Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

An informed and fresh perspective on a well-known canonical play ... by a leading scholar on Synge.” —Dr Chris Megson, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK

“A clear and intelligently mapped out guide to a canonical Anglo-Irish drama, which provides all the necessary religious, social and cultural information to ensure students of all backgrounds can access the text” —Jenny Stevens

From the Publisher