The House of the Spirits can be perceived through a biographical and historical lens as much of the novel addresses major events that occurred in Chile along with personal memoirs of the author herself. Allende first began writing at the news of her dying 99-year old grandfather. A nostalgic letter recalling past childhood memories in Chile soon transformed into the foundation of her first bestselling book. Similar to Allende’s powerful and influential writing, the character of Clara and Alba write journals to convey personal and political testimonies. Clara’s writings portray intimate family history while Alba’s writings convey deep, political strife and abuse of power. Both personal and political facets are seen through the author, Allende’s, writings as well.
Furthermore, Allende alludes to the overall atmosphere and lifestyle of Chile during this political strife. The horrid living conditions and social divides Allende describes were very much present in the country at the time. There are severe shortages, which ultimately led to the black market and an unbalanced goods and foods as seen when “people who had never smoked wound up paying an exorbitant sum for a pack of cigarettes, and those without children found themselves fighting over cans of baby formula” (348). 95% of the wealth was owned by 5% of the people. The country’s economy relies primarily on mining, maritime, and agriculture. Esteban Trueba represented the wealthy capitalists—he owned a mine, a large ranch, and eventually became a senator. The social and leftist movements that took root and spread throughout Chile began in the labor unions in the mines and the struggle for agrarian reform. For example, land redistribution from the wealthy to the poor. For example, Trueba’s mines were closed by striking minors and his hacienda was taken over by the very workers who he employed for decades. The United States was also known for trying to prevent the socialist Allende from becoming president and possibly encouraging a right-wing coup d’état. There were some scenes where Trueba would have secret meetings with shadowy American officials in the planning of economic sabotage and the eventual overthrow.
HOS could be considered a fictional version of the history of Chile from the 1930s to the 1970s leading up to the military coup d’état led by General Pinochet. In fact, politics is a major theme throughout the novel, as there is constant conflict between the socialists and conservatives. The characters in the novel resemble known characters during the Chilean revolution. For example, Pedro Tercero parallels the tale of Victor Jara. Both were musicians and used songwriting to express their revolutionary ideas. Unlike how Jara was murdered, Tercero was simply kicked out of the Tres Marias and eventually runs away to Canada with Blanca. Other parallels include the novels the Poet and real life, famous Pablo Neruda, whose real death came twelve days after the coup d’état. The Poet’s funeral was somberly described in the final pages of the novel. Another parallel was the fictional character, the President, in conjunction with real life Salvador Allende, who was assassinated very accurately described in the novel. The behind-the-scenes drama of left versus right and super power USA versus USSR was also dramatically brought to life in this novel.
Most importantly, General Hertado correlates with the persona of Augusto Pinochet. Both yearned for power and money. Similar to how Pinochet overthrew socialist President, Allende, Trueba dedicated all his work to support the right-wing government. Ultimately, Pinochet became president and Trueba became disenchanted, isolated, and ignored by the military rulers. The 1970-1980s were the saddest period in Chilean history where a “brain-drain” where the talented and well-educated fled the country and stripped the nation of its best and brightest for a generation including Miss Allende.
Furthermore, Allende alludes to the overall atmosphere and lifestyle of Chile during this political strife. The horrid living conditions and social divides Allende describes were very much present in the country at the time. There are severe shortages, which ultimately led to the black market and an unbalanced goods and foods as seen when “people who had never smoked wound up paying an exorbitant sum for a pack of cigarettes, and those without children found themselves fighting over cans of baby formula” (348). 95% of the wealth was owned by 5% of the people. The country’s economy relies primarily on mining, maritime, and agriculture. Esteban Trueba represented the wealthy capitalists—he owned a mine, a large ranch, and eventually became a senator. The social and leftist movements that took root and spread throughout Chile began in the labor unions in the mines and the struggle for agrarian reform. For example, land redistribution from the wealthy to the poor. For example, Trueba’s mines were closed by striking minors and his hacienda was taken over by the very workers who he employed for decades. The United States was also known for trying to prevent the socialist Allende from becoming president and possibly encouraging a right-wing coup d’état. There were some scenes where Trueba would have secret meetings with shadowy American officials in the planning of economic sabotage and the eventual overthrow.
HOS could be considered a fictional version of the history of Chile from the 1930s to the 1970s leading up to the military coup d’état led by General Pinochet. In fact, politics is a major theme throughout the novel, as there is constant conflict between the socialists and conservatives. The characters in the novel resemble known characters during the Chilean revolution. For example, Pedro Tercero parallels the tale of Victor Jara. Both were musicians and used songwriting to express their revolutionary ideas. Unlike how Jara was murdered, Tercero was simply kicked out of the Tres Marias and eventually runs away to Canada with Blanca. Other parallels include the novels the Poet and real life, famous Pablo Neruda, whose real death came twelve days after the coup d’état. The Poet’s funeral was somberly described in the final pages of the novel. Another parallel was the fictional character, the President, in conjunction with real life Salvador Allende, who was assassinated very accurately described in the novel. The behind-the-scenes drama of left versus right and super power USA versus USSR was also dramatically brought to life in this novel.
Most importantly, General Hertado correlates with the persona of Augusto Pinochet. Both yearned for power and money. Similar to how Pinochet overthrew socialist President, Allende, Trueba dedicated all his work to support the right-wing government. Ultimately, Pinochet became president and Trueba became disenchanted, isolated, and ignored by the military rulers. The 1970-1980s were the saddest period in Chilean history where a “brain-drain” where the talented and well-educated fled the country and stripped the nation of its best and brightest for a generation including Miss Allende.
Citations:
"Chile History." Geographia. InterKnowledge Corp., 2010. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://www.geographia.com/chile/chilehistory.htm>.
"Historical Criticism of The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende."HubPages. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
"The House of the Spirits-Historical Context - Ovie.ESHS12." The House of the Spirits-Historical Context - Ovie.ESHS12. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
"Chile History." Geographia. InterKnowledge Corp., 2010. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://www.geographia.com/chile/chilehistory.htm>.
"Historical Criticism of The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende."HubPages. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
"The House of the Spirits-Historical Context - Ovie.ESHS12." The House of the Spirits-Historical Context - Ovie.ESHS12. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.