Spanish colonial literature in South America

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

77692

Title

Spanish colonial literature in South America

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This scholarly volume explores Spanish colonial literature in South America, arguing that contemporary writings reveal the true social and intellectual life of the era better than modern historical analysis. It examines poetry, history, geography, and ecclesiastical texts from figures like Ercilla and Solórzano, offering a vivid window into colonial society.

Summary up to 500 words

Bernard Moses presents a comprehensive survey of Spanish colonial literature in South America, arguing that official documents alone cannot capture the full scope of historical life. The text emphasizes that literature—including poetry, reports, and legal treatises—serves as the primary record of social activities, national thought, and popular sentiment during the colonial period. Unlike modern historians who impose a twentieth-century atmosphere on the past, Moses advocates for reading the works written by contemporaries to understand their own worldview. The book focuses significantly on Alonso de Ercilla, whose epic poem "La Araucana" chronicles the conflict between Spanish conquistadors and the independent Araucanian Indians in Chile. Ercilla's journey from the European court to the New World illustrates a shift in perception: the Americas transformed from a land of autocratic rulers to one defined by rugged individualism and primitive nature. The poem details the struggle following the death of Governor Valdivia, highlighting the bravery of both sides. Moses also analyzes major political and legal texts that systematically describe colonial institutions, laws regarding indigenous peoples, mining operations, taxation, and the roles of officials like viceroys and audiencias. Key figures include Juan de Solórzano Pereira, whose "Política indiana" serves as a digest of laws governing the Indies, and Gaspar de Escalona, whose "Gazophilatium regium Perubicum" details administrative functions and economic affairs. The Pinelo family is highlighted for their contributions to legal scholarship and the protection of indigenous rights. Crucially, Moses expands the definition of literature to include anonymous critical works like "Estado político del reino del Perú," which exposed governmental corruption with biting satire. Although these writers were loyal to the Spanish crown, they frequently criticized abuses by local corregidores and parish priests. By including administrative reports and geographical descriptions, Moses provides a rich tapestry of colonial life, demonstrating that despite the lack of periodicals or parliamentary debates, a substantial body of written evidence remains to illuminate the society of the Spanish colonists.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Literature