"Which were the mechanisms by which certain groups were positioned at the margins of national narratives during the nineteenth century, either via their exclusion from these narratives of through their incorporation into them as 'others'? By engaging with shifting ideas of exclusion and difference, the authors in this book reflect upon the paradoxical centrality of the subaltern at a time when literature was deployed as a tool for nation building. The lasting presence of the Jewish and Moorish legacy, the portrayal of gypsy characters, or the changing notions of femininity in public discourse exemplify the ways in which images of marginal 'types' played a central role in the configuration of the very idea of Spanishness"--
In this collection of essays, contributors in Spanish literature at the University of Cadiz highlight various literary and national discourses involved in the construction of Spanish national identity in the 19th century, looking at how women, the Romani, Jews, and Moriscos were portrayed as outsiders in national narratives written in Spanish during the period. The essays show that race and religion were not the only reasons for exclusion from Spanish national identity; women were also excluded. Three chapters focus on the Andalusian myth at the transnational level. Other topics explored are Moors and Christians in The Alhambra, counter-narratives of Spanish imperialism in Aventuras de un converso, and female discourse on Spanish identity. Two chapters are devoted to Morisco leader Aben Humeya. Writers discussed include Telesforo de Trueba and Augustin Millares Torres. Four of the books nine essays are presented in Spanish; in the essays in English, some quotes from books are in Spanish. Annotation ©2022 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
