Theoretical-Critical Discussions about Representation of the Margins in Contemporary Latin American Short Stories

Abstract

The way in which a marginal group is represented in literature reveals how it is seen. In times of intolerance and prejudice against social minorities, contemporary Latin American literature reaffirms itself as a social complaint, proposing a more sensitive and altruistic view of these groups. Thus, it is fundamental for the narrative construction about the other to raise empathy instead of contempt. Therefore, criticism and literary theory in the present time, regarding the representation of individuals at the margin of society, observe how a narrative reinforces or deconstructs stereotypes. This article presents some of these more recent theories and criticisms – such as the shock of the real, new realism and Flusser’s beauty criticism – and, thereafter, analyzes four contemporary Latin American short stories: “La zona”, by Laura Santullo, “El carrito”, by Mariana Enriquez, “Fábrica de fazer vilão”, by Ferréz; and “Vestido longo”, by Marcelino Freire.