Women, Memory and Dictatorship in Recent Chilean Fiction: Palabra de Mujer

The politics of memory in Chile perpetuate gendered images of those affected by political violence, and the literary rewriting of painful experiences can contest these interpretations. Women participate in the production of collective narratives of the past in the aftermath of violence, and this book explores how contemporary Chilean authors depict the dictatorial past through the memories of women.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2021
Publisher: University of Wales Press

The politics of memory play a significant role in perpetuating gendered images of individuals who have directly experienced political violence in Chile. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the literary rewriting of painful experiences, as authors seek to challenge existing interpretations of national trauma and the portrayal of women in these discourses. Women, in particular, have been marginalized and silenced in the collective narratives of the past, often being depicted as victims or survivors rather than active participants in the production of these narratives.

This book explores the literary representation of women and their memory practices in the recent work of seven contemporary Chilean authors: Diamela Eltit, Carlos Franz, Pia Gonzalez, Fatima Sime, Arturo Fontaine, Pia Barros, and Nona Fernandez. These authors are situated within the context of a patriarchal politics of memory and commemorative culture in Chile, which is part of a broader body of contested interpretations of General Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship (1973-90). By analyzing novels that depict the dictatorial past through the memories of women, the book argues that these texts understand and explore remembrance as a process by which the patriarchal co-option of women's memories can be exposed and even contested in the aftermath of violence.

One of the key themes that emerges from the analysis is the importance of women's voices in shaping the collective memory of political violence. Women have been historically marginalized and silenced in the Chilean narrative, with their experiences often being ignored or erased. However, by reclaiming their memories and sharing them through literature, women are able to challenge dominant narratives and contribute to a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the past.

Through the characters in these novels, readers are able to witness the complex and multifaceted nature of women's experiences during the dictatorial period. Women are portrayed as active agents who resist oppression, challenge patriarchal norms, and contribute to the resistance movement. They are also depicted as victims of violence, trauma, and abuse, but they are not defined solely by these experiences. Women are shown to be resilient, resourceful, and capable of rebuilding their lives and communities in the aftermath of political violence.

The literary rewriting of painful experiences also serves to challenge the patriarchal co-option of women's memories. By depicting women as active participants in the production of collective narratives of the past, authors are able to subvert the dominant narrative that portrays women as passive victims. This portrayal challenges the notion that women's memories are solely shaped by their experiences and that they are unable to contribute to the construction of a more inclusive and accurate history.

Furthermore, the analysis of these novels reveals the ways in which the patriarchal politics of memory and commemorative culture in Chile continue to impact women's lives today. The dictatorial period left deep scars on the Chilean society, and the legacy of violence and trauma continues to be felt by individuals and communities. Women, in particular, are often marginalized and excluded from the processes of memory and healing, as their experiences are often not considered relevant or important.

However, by reclaiming their memories and sharing them through literature, women are able to challenge these dominant narratives and contribute to the broader dialogue about the legacy of political violence in Chile. They are also able to advocate for their rights and promote social change, as their voices and experiences are heard and recognized for the first time.

In conclusion, the politics of memory perpetuate gendered images of those directly affected by political violence in Chile. However, the literary rewriting of painful experiences provides a means for women to challenge these images and reclaim their memories. Through the analysis of novels that depict the dictatorial past through the memories of women, it is evident that remembrance is a process by which the patriarchal co-option of women's memories can be exposed and contested in the aftermath of violence. By promoting the inclusion of women's voices and experiences in the collective memory of the past, authors are able to contribute to a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the past and promote social change in the present.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 223 x 144 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786838032