Study Guide on El matadero by Esteban Echeverría
Historical and Literary Context of El matadero
El matadero is recognized as the first modern literary work in Argentina. It was written in by Esteban Echeverría, though it remained unpublished for several decades until it was edited and published in by Juan María Gutiérrez. The narrative is situated historically during the government of Juan Manuel de Rosas, a period spanning from to .
The work functions as a narrative sequence consisting of a series of principal actions. The choice of setting is highly symbolic, as the slaughterhouse serves as a microcosm of the political and social climate of Buenos Aires during the Rosista era. It specifically identifies the location as the Matadero del Alto de la Convalecencia, which corresponds to the area of the current Parque Lezama.
Narrative Elements and Characterization
The story is told through an omniscient narrator who seeks ideological complicity with the reader. This narrator employs a variety of distinct literary resources, including irony, sarcasm, crudeness (crudeza), and extreme meticulousness. The use of hyperbole and satire is frequent, as the narrator aims to expose the perceived barbarism of the regime.
The characters are divided into two distinct poles representing the conflict in Argentine society. On one side are the Federales, represented by figures such as the Judge (El Juez) and Matasiete, an aggressive butcher. Other characters in this sphere include the butchers, mulatto women, the boy, the "chusmas" (the mob or rabble), and "indios." On the opposing side is the Young Unitarian (Joven unitario), who represents the intellectual and civilized ideals of the opposition.
Stylistic Resources and Symbolism
The structure of the text moves from the description of the scenery to the narration of activities. The butchers and mulatto women are portrayed as primitive beings, shown in a state of desperation and violence as they fight over pieces of "tripa" (offal or tripe). This depiction reinforces the theme of a society reduced to its most basic, animalistic instincts.
Symbols are used throughout the text to condense meanings and anticipate future events. One of the most significant symbols is the high saturation of the color red, which represents both the blood of the slaughterhouse and the political color of the Federalists. The episode involving the escaped bull (el toro) is a crucial narrative device that anticipates the eventual capture and death of the Young Unitarian. The slaughterhouse itself is described as a site of grotesque and violent life, serving as a representation of a divided Argentina.
Comparison of Unitarians and Federalists
The text establishes a sharp contrast between the two political factions across physical, ideological, and behavioral dimensions. The Federalists are depicted through the imagery of the butcher (carnicero), often shown with a knife in hand and arms or chest smeared with blood. Their physical appearance is characterized by messy hair and sideburns (patillas) shaped like a "U." Ideologically, they seek to centralize all power in Buenos Aires. Their attitudes are described as violent, intolerant, and prone to exaltation, while their language is categorized as vulgar and "balcarce," reflecting a lack of formal education.
In contrast, the Young Unitarian is characterized by a gallant physical appearance and a dignified, brave, and proud demeanor. Ideologically, the Unitarians believed that each province should have its own capital and government. They represent the "culto" (cultured) and modern segment of society, possessing a European-style intellectual education. Their language is refined and intellectual, standing in direct opposition to the speech of the Federalists.
Violence and Religious Allegory
The climax of the work involves the physical and psychological violence to which the Young Unitarian is subjected. This violence is portrayed with such intensity and focus on suffering that the protagonist is explicitly likened to Jesus on the Cross. This religious parallel serves to frame the Unitarian as a martyr of civilization being sacrificed by the forces of barbarism. The tension between the "refined" individual and the “savage” mob underscores the core message concerning the political state of the nation.