Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Decimonónica
Volume
8
Issue
2
Publisher
Decimonónica
Publication Date
2011
First Page
42
Last Page
59
Abstract
In this essay I will be attempting to cast light on some aspects of Mariano José de Larra’s construction of authority as a writer. In particular, I will be focusing on the use of humor as a means of achieving authority in times of contentious political strife—a civil war was raging—and limited political freedom. However, I will also draw attention to other closely related aspects of this construction. More succinctly, I will be arguing that humor is the significant stratagem that allows Larra to construct his “authority,” by which I mean his ability to convince the readers of his articles to see things in a different light; the readers become willing, at least for a time, to believe the narrator who is guiding if not necessarily completely controlling their way of thinking as they proceed through the text.1
Recommended Citation
Schurlknight, Donald E., "On Larra’s Construction of Authority in his Articles: Humor" (2011). Decimonónica. Paper 32.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/decimononica/32