Facundo (Chapter 1-5)
I was not completely sure what to expect from this novel. Based on our discussion in class, I knew that the reading would have something to do with “murder, madness, and mayhem”; I did not, however, realize how graphic some of the descriptions would be. As I am not a geography major, the first chapter was greatly appreciated to understand the natural features of the Argentine Republic. I felt that the chapters flowed in a manner which was easy to follow; from describing the landscape to describing the people inhabiting the landscape, etc. The chapters unfolded in a fascinating and controversial manner by establishing a sense of “civilized” city versus “barbaric” countryside. As mentioned in the translator’s introduction, Facundo represents the “violence and evil fostered by Rosa’s tyranny” (p. 18), which became painfully obvious in chapter V. In describing the life and character of Juan Facundo Quiroga, Sarmiento demonstrates the power of written word. With the might of his pen, Sarmiento conveys how merciless and callous Facundo was; without the use of diagrams, simply allowing the reader to rely on the power of his or her mind. From the reading I also learned about the life and ways of the gaucho. Sarmiento portrays the character of the gaucho; his ideas, customs, and characters, in a powerful description as “nomadic inhabitants of the Pampas” (p. 5) who rejected authority and city life. I expected the gauchos to be described as wholly barbaric, but they were shown to be great horsemen and autonomous individuals. Having the vivid imagination which I possess, I found it difficult to read certain passages in which Facundo kills for the sake of killing. It is obvious the author is hiding behind the mask of Facundo in his attempt to describe Don Juan Manuel Rosas. While many allusions were made regarding Don Rosas it was the depiction of him as a rancher who “made his residence into a kind of asylum for killers, without ever consenting to its use by thieves” (p. 75) which sent chills down my spine. This reference to Rosas set the stage for descriptions of the ruthless Facundo. From reading the first five chapters I believe this book will be a great insight into Latin American ideas, customs, and traditions which shape their history; in particular the history of Argentina.
