“The Seven Madmen” is a novel written by Roberto Arlt and published in 1929. The novel is set in Buenos Aires and follows the life of Remo Erdosain, a man who is struggling to come to terms with his place in society. The novel is widely regarded as one of the most important works of Argentine literature and has been translated into several languages.
At its core, “The Seven Madmen” is an allegory for the struggles of the working class in Buenos Aires during the early 20th century. Arlt uses the character of Erdosain to explore themes of poverty, alienation, and social inequality. The novel is a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions of the time, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Despite being written almost a century ago, “The Seven Madmen” remains an important work of literature that speaks to the struggles of people around the world. Arlt’s use of allegory and his exploration of themes that are still relevant today make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human condition.
Background on Roberto Arlt
Roberto Arlt was an Argentine writer, journalist, and playwright who lived from 1900 to 1942. He was born in Buenos Aires to a family of German immigrants and grew up in the city’s crowded tenement houses. Arlt had a deeply unhappy childhood and left home at the age of sixteen.
As a journalist, Arlt described the rich and vivid life of Buenos Aires. He wrote for a number of newspapers and magazines, including Crítica, the most important newspaper in Argentina at the time. Arlt’s journalism often focused on the city’s underbelly, exploring the lives of the poor and marginalized.
Arlt is best known for his novels, which are characterized by their innovative style and their exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. His most famous work is “The Seven Madmen,” a novel published in 1929 that had an immense influence on the “Boom” generation of Latin American writers, including Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, and Roberto Bolaño.
Despite his literary success, Arlt struggled financially throughout his life. He died of a heart attack in 1942 at the age of 42, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its originality and its frank portrayal of the human condition.
Overview of ‘The Seven Madmen’
‘The Seven Madmen’ is a novel written by Argentine author Roberto Arlt in 1929. It is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the social and economic conditions of Buenos Aires during the early 20th century. The novel follows the life of the protagonist, Erdosain, who is a deeply troubled and disillusioned man.
Throughout the novel, Arlt uses a range of literary techniques and devices to create a rich and vivid allegory of Argentine society. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions of the city’s crowded tenement houses, its bustling streets, and its diverse population.
At its core, ‘The Seven Madmen’ is a dark and unsettling exploration of the human condition. It delves deep into the psyche of its characters, revealing their fears, hopes, and desires. Arlt’s writing is raw and visceral, and he is unafraid to tackle difficult and controversial topics such as poverty, crime, and mental illness.
Themes and Motifs in the Novel
The Seven Madmen by Roberto Arlt is a complex and multi-layered novel that explores a wide range of themes and motifs. One of the most prominent themes in the novel is the struggle for power and control. Throughout the book, characters are constantly vying for power and control over each other, whether it be through physical violence or psychological manipulation.
Another important theme in the novel is the idea of social and economic inequality. The characters in the novel come from a variety of different backgrounds, ranging from wealthy aristocrats to poor immigrants. This creates a stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots, and the novel explores the various ways in which this inequality manifests itself in society.
One of the most prominent motifs in the novel is the use of allegory. The novel is full of symbolic characters and events that represent larger ideas and themes. For example, the character of Erdosain can be seen as a representation of the working class, while the character of the Astrologer represents the corrupt ruling class.
Another important motif in the novel is the use of irony. The novel is full of ironic situations and events, such as when the character of Erdosain, who is supposed to be the hero of the story, becomes a criminal and a murderer.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Seven Madmen’
Character Symbolism
In ‘The Seven Madmen,’ Roberto Arlt uses characters to symbolize different aspects of society. For example, Erdosain represents the disillusioned middle class, while the anarchist Aspiro represents the revolutionary spirit of the working class. The character of Astroff, a former military man, represents the corrupt and oppressive government. By using these characters as symbols, Arlt creates a complex allegory that critiques the various social classes and political systems of his time.
Political Allegory
Arlt’s novel is also a political allegory that critiques the corrupt political system in Argentina during the early 20th century. The character of Erdosain, who tries to overthrow the government through a violent revolution, represents the frustration and desperation felt by many Argentine citizens during this time. The novel also critiques the role of the military in politics, as represented by Astroff, who uses his power to oppress and exploit the people.
Social Commentary
In addition to its political allegory, ‘The Seven Madmen’ also provides a commentary on social issues such as poverty, crime, and mental illness. The novel portrays the harsh living conditions of the working class and the desperation that drives people to crime. It also explores the effects of mental illness on individuals and society as a whole. Through these themes, Arlt highlights the social problems that plagued Argentina during his time and calls for reform.
Interpreting the Allegory
The Astrologer’s Vision
The astrologer’s vision in “The Seven Madmen” is a significant element of the allegory. It symbolizes the protagonist’s search for meaning and purpose in life. The astrologer represents the voice of fate and destiny, while the protagonist, Erdosain, represents the human desire for control and agency. The astrologer’s vision shows Erdosain a glimpse of the future, but it also highlights the limitations of human knowledge and the inevitability of fate.
Erdosain’s Descent
Erdosain’s descent into madness is a crucial part of the allegory. It represents the breakdown of society and the individual’s struggle to find meaning and purpose in a chaotic world. Erdosain’s descent is a metaphor for the decline of Argentina in the early 20th century, as well as a commentary on the human condition. The descent is a gradual process, highlighting the slow erosion of sanity and the difficulty of maintaining order in a world that seems to be falling apart.
The Society’s Representation
The society’s representation in “The Seven Madmen” is a significant part of the allegory. It symbolizes the oppressive and corrupt nature of society, particularly in Argentina during the early 20th century. The society is shown to be hypocritical and self-serving, with little concern for the well-being of its citizens. The society’s representation is a critique of the ruling class and their exploitation of the working class, as well as a commentary on the human tendency towards greed and corruption.
Arlt’s Writing Style and Influence
Roberto Arlt’s writing style is characterized by his use of colloquial language and his portrayal of the marginalized and disenchanted members of society. He often employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, which adds to the chaotic and frenzied atmosphere of his works. Arlt’s writing is also known for its allegorical elements, which are used to comment on social and political issues.
Arlt’s influence can be seen in the works of many Latin American writers who came after him. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Julio Cortazar, and Roberto Bolano have all cited Arlt as an inspiration for their own writing. His influence can also be seen in the emergence of the Latin American literary movement known as the “Boom,” which was characterized by its experimentation with form and its use of magical realism.
In addition to his influence on Latin American literature, Arlt’s writing has also had an impact on global literature. His works have been translated into several languages and have been read and studied by scholars around the world. Arlt’s legacy as a writer continues to be felt today, as his works remain relevant and engaging to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Roberto Arlt’s The Seven Madmen is considered a masterpiece of Argentine literature and has received critical acclaim since its publication in 1929. The novel’s innovative style and themes of social and political critique have influenced many Latin American writers, including Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, and Roberto Bolaño.
The novel’s use of allegory and symbolism has been particularly praised for its ability to convey complex ideas in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking. The characters in the novel represent different aspects of Argentine society, and their struggles and conflicts highlight the social and political issues of the time.
Despite its initial success, The Seven Madmen was banned by the Argentine government in the 1940s due to its controversial themes and critical commentary on society. However, the novel’s legacy has endured, and it continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike.
In recent years, the novel has been translated into several languages, including English, which has brought it to a wider audience and further cemented its place as a classic of Latin American literature. The Seven Madmen remains a powerful and relevant work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Comparative Analysis With Other Allegorical Works
When compared to other allegorical works, such as George Orwell’s Animal Farm and Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, The Seven Madmen by Roberto Arlt stands out as a unique and thought-provoking piece of literature.
While Animal Farm uses animals to represent political figures and The Metamorphosis uses a man turning into a bug to represent societal pressures, The Seven Madmen uses a group of madmen to represent the corrupt and broken society of Argentina during the early 20th century.
Arlt’s use of allegory is not as straightforward as Orwell’s or Kafka’s, but it is just as effective in conveying his message. The madmen each represent a different aspect of society, from the disillusioned intellectual to the ruthless businessman, and their actions and interactions reveal the flaws and corruption of the society they inhabit.