Mariano Azuela

Definition

Mariano Azuela was a Mexican physician and author, best known for his influential role in the development of the modern Mexican novel, particularly through his work during and after the Mexican Revolution. His literary contributions exemplify the characteristics of Realism and Naturalism, depicting the harsh realities of life and society, especially in the context of war and its aftermath.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Azuela was born in 1873 in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico, and his medical background influenced his perspectives on human suffering and social injustice.
2. His novel 'The Underdogs' is considered one of the first major works to depict the Mexican Revolution from a realistic point of view, offering insights into the lives of those affected by the conflict.
3. Azuela's writing reflects a strong commitment to social critique, using his characters to reveal the corruption and moral dilemmas present in society during tumultuous times.
4. He is often associated with the literary movement known as the 'Mexican Novel,' which sought to address national identity and the complexities of post-revolutionary society.
5. Mariano Azuela's works have had a lasting impact on Latin American literature, influencing generations of writers who explore themes of realism and social justice.

Review Questions

• How does Mariano Azuela's background as a physician influence his literary works?
  • Azuela's training as a physician gave him a unique perspective on human suffering and social issues, which is reflected in his writing. His experiences in medicine allowed him to observe the realities of life and death, particularly during times of conflict such as the Mexican Revolution. This medical background contributed to his focus on authenticity and realism in portraying the struggles of his characters, especially those impacted by war.
• In what ways does Azuela's 'The Underdogs' exemplify characteristics of Realism and Naturalism?
  • 'The Underdogs' demonstrates Realism through its detailed portrayal of everyday life during the Mexican Revolution, highlighting ordinary characters caught in extraordinary circumstances. Naturalism is evident in Azuela's exploration of how environmental factors and societal conditions shape his characters' actions and decisions. The novel captures the grim realities faced by revolutionaries, presenting a candid view of their motivations, hardships, and disillusionment.
• Evaluate how Mariano Azuela's works contribute to discussions on social justice and national identity in post-revolutionary Mexico.
  • Azuela's literary contributions significantly enrich discussions around social justice by exposing the deep-seated inequalities and moral dilemmas present in Mexican society. His narratives often challenge readers to confront the harsh realities experienced by marginalized groups during and after the revolution. Furthermore, Azuela's exploration of national identity highlights the complexities of forging a cohesive national narrative amidst diverse regional cultures and histories, making his work essential for understanding Mexico's literary landscape.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that aims to represent everyday life and society as accurately as possible, focusing on ordinary characters and events.

Naturalism: A literary approach that extends Realism by emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior.

The Underdogs: Azuela's most famous novel, published in 1915, which follows a group of revolutionaries during the Mexican Revolution, highlighting their struggles and disillusionment.