The gendered writing of gaucho in Silvina Ocampo's transgressive narratives

Abstract

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7917.2014v19n2p38

This paper addresses the narrative work of Argentinean writer Silvina Ocampo, proposing a critical reading of the tales in which she portrays the figure and customs of the man from the Pampa – the gaucho – by means of strategies of representation that disrupts the mimetic tradition. The main objective of this analysis is to demonstrate how Ocampo’s narrative operates a rupture in the canon of Gauchesca that overcomes the innovations presented by the literary works classified as plastic regionalism by Angel Rama, by means ofa writing strongly marked by gender. Therefore, this work appropriates theoretical frameworks of contemporary feminist criticism, in particular the discussions raised by Hélène Cixous, Alicia Ostriker e Nelly Richard. Based on the theoretical framework outlined, this paper makes a critical reading of the tales "La hija del toro", published in Las invitadas; and “La muñeca”, published in Los días de la noche, with special attention to the aesthetic and thematic aspects of these texts.