Taken at Torcuato Di Tella in Argentina

Fulfilled: Goal 3

During my study abroad experience, I took several courses with Argentine students. This literature course was one of them. Over the class, we studied various works from several major periods of literary development. As we read, I developed a new appreciation for the many types of storytelling that exist in the world beyond the three-act structure with familiar themes and motifs. I was intrigued by Borges’ works which questioned the existence of reality and philosophically pondered the nature of stories. With his works he asked questions like what makes something a story? What is needed to determine reality?

Then were writers who worked with themes of nature and circular storytelling. Juan Rulfo’s stories of land and journey were bursting with metaphors and layers of meaning. Often these stories incorporated influences of native cultures while taking cues from European literary developments. The way that these cultures and influences mixed in these tales demonstrated an ongoing struggle with deep tension between what used to be, what is, and what will be. The course reminded me of how many unique ways that meaning can be expressed. Much like how different people can send the same message in different ways, the authors blended competing cultures to deliver unique messages about the nature of life. I can use these lessons when trying to understand others whose background and beliefs influence their world view. I can think of how their experiences are reflected in the way they communicate to better listen and understand.

Below is one of the short stories by Juan Rulfo, “Nos han dado la tierra”.