Dario and Lugones: Theosophy, the occult, and synesthesia in selected short stories
Abstract
The purpose of this present study was to investigate the use of the themes of theosophy and the occult and the technique of synesthesia in selected short stories of Ruben Dario and Leopoldo Lugones. Synesthesia and related literary techniques are employed on a textual level to create a holistic sensorial effect. This stimulation of the various senses in the reader is intended to bring to the literature a sense of the spiritual and musical nature of words and images. On the level of subtext, synaesthesia, alliteration, rhythm, and a sort of polyphony of voices serve as ambiguous signs which suggest spiritual experiences and realities. This sensorial stimulation, was intended, by analogy, to present a picture of the eclectic and wide-open spirituality of the writers and call upon the curiosity of the reader in things spiritual. The theosophic and occult themes and undercurrents and what we know of the belief systems of our authors make this assumption highly probable. The analogous experiences reflect the authors' search for spiritual and primordial truths. Synesthesia and other techniques also contribute effectively to the horror aspect of the later tales.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Dixon, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Latin American literature|Literature
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