The Routledge Handbook of Violence in Latin American Literature

This Handbook brings together essays from well-established and emerging scholars from all around the world to show the many different types of violence that have plagued Latin America since the pre-Colombian era, and how each has been seen and characterized in literature and other cultural mediums. It analyzes texts from various time periods, including early tribal and ideological violence, colonial and decolonial violence, and political violence in the postmodern period. The volume provides readers with literary examples from across the centuries, showing how widespread the violence has been and how it has shaped the region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 532 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive Handbook brings together a diverse array of esteemed and emerging scholars from across the globe, showcasing the diverse range of violence that has plagued Latin America since the pre-Colombian era. Through a comprehensive analysis of texts from various historical periods, including early tribal and ideological violence, colonial and decolonial conflicts between colonizers and indigenous populations, and the political violence witnessed in the postmodern era characterized by dictatorships, guerrilla warfare, neoliberalism, and the impact of drug trafficking and migration, the volume offers insightful perspectives on the multifaceted nature of violence in the region.

The Handbook provides readers with a rich tapestry of literary examples spanning centuries, illuminating the pervasive nature of violence and its profound impact on the region's history and evolution. By examining the ways in which violence has been depicted and interpreted in literature, art, music, and other cultural mediums, the Handbook sheds light on the complex interplay between societal, political, and cultural factors that have contributed to the ongoing cycle of violence in Latin America.

The essays in this Handbook offer a multi-faceted examination of the various forms of violence that have plagued Latin America throughout its history. From early tribal conflicts to the colonial era, and from the political turmoil of the postmodern period to the ongoing challenges of drug trafficking and migration, the authors explore the complex dynamics that have shaped the region's history and continue to impact its present.

One of the key themes that emerges from the Handbook is the role of power in perpetuating violence. The authors argue that the unequal distribution of power, both within and between societies, has been a major factor in the perpetuation of violence throughout Latin America's history. They highlight the ways in which colonialism, economic exploitation, and political oppression have created conditions that have led to the marginalization and oppression of certain groups, which in turn has fueled violence and conflict.

Another important theme is the impact of cultural and societal norms on violence. The authors explore how cultural beliefs, values, and practices have contributed to the normalization of violence and the acceptance of harmful behaviors. They also examine the ways in which cultural norms have been challenged and transformed over time, as societies seek to address the legacy of violence and promote peace and justice.

The Handbook also sheds light on the role of gender in perpetuating violence. The authors argue that gender-based violence is a pervasive issue in Latin America, with women and girls often being the victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. They highlight the need for gender-sensitive policies and interventions to address this issue and promote gender equality and social justice.

In addition to its analysis of violence, the Handbook also explores the ways in which literature and other cultural mediums have been used to document and respond to violence. The authors discuss the role of literature and art in shaping public discourse and raising awareness about the impact of violence on individuals and communities. They also examine the ways in which literature and art have been used to promote healing and reconciliation and to challenge dominant narratives of violence.

Overall, this comprehensive Handbook provides a valuable contribution to the study of violence in Latin America. By bringing together a diverse array of scholars and perspectives, it offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex factors that have contributed to the region's history of violence and its ongoing challenges. The Handbook is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of violence in Latin America and its potential for transformation.

Introduction:
Latin America has a long and complex history of violence, dating back to the pre-Colombian era. This Handbook brings together essays from a diverse group of scholars from around the world, exploring the various forms of violence that have plagued the region since then and their impact on literature, culture, and society.

Violence in Pre-Colombian Times:
The pre-Colombian era was marked by intense tribal conflicts and ideological violence. The indigenous peoples of the region had their own systems of governance and social organization, which were often disrupted by the arrival of European colonizers. The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521 marked the beginning of a long period of colonial violence, as the Spanish sought to impose their own cultural and political beliefs on the native populations.

Colonial and Decolonial Violence:
The colonial period saw the introduction of new technologies, such as the horse and the gun, which facilitated the expansion of European empires. This expansion led to the colonization of vast territories and the exploitation of indigenous resources. The indigenous populations were subjected to forced labor, slavery, and genocide, as the colonizers sought to control and dominate the region.

Postmodern Violence:
The postmodern era has been marked by political instability, economic crises, and the rise of drug trafficking and organized crime. The region has witnessed the emergence of dictatorships, guerrilla warfare, and the displacement of millions of people due to conflict and violence. Drug trafficking has also contributed to the spread of violence, as organized criminal groups compete for control of lucrative drug routes.

Literary Examples:
The essays in this Handbook provide literary examples from across the centuries, showcasing the ways in which violence has been depicted and interpreted in literature and other cultural mediums. The authors analyze the ways in which violence has shaped the characters, themes, and narratives of literature, and how it has contributed to the construction of regional and national identities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Handbook provides a comprehensive analysis of the various forms of violence that have plagued Latin America since the pre-Colombian era. It highlights the ways in which violence has shaped the region's history, culture, and society, and how it continues to impact the lives of individuals and communities today. The essays in this Handbook offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of violence and its potential for transformation.

Weight: 1156g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367520045