The Labyrinth of Solitude and Other Writings by Octavio Paz

As for the matters of fiestas, it should be emphasized that they differ from the fiestas in Spain and express the sense of communality. The main issues of the book are closely related with the matters of traditional views on the surrounding world, and the integral parts of human life as death, leisure and the nature. Mesoamerica was made up of a complex of autonomous peoples, nations, and cultures, each with its own differing traditions and cultural heritages mixed and at last became one. Originally, in the light of this notion Paz emphasizes that the national identity of Mexicans is closely associated with the perspectives of death, fiesta and identity in general.

The matter of fact is that, the issues of multiculturalism have shaped the traditional representation of the world by Mexicans, and such sub-culture as Pachucos, which will be described in the research, symbolizes the Mexico itself during the first century of its independence: independent, lonesome and apathetic. The issues of bi-culturalism and multiculturalism are the matters which define the Mexican identity, as their culture was based on the perception of the world in accordance with the attitude of the other countries towards Mexico, and on the cultural traditions of Indians and Europeans. The main theme of the essays of this book is closely associated with the matters of Mexican Identity and it is aimed at demonstrating how deep the feeling of solitude for Mexicans in this world is.

As for the matters of ethnic identity, colonialism, or symbolism of revolution, which are discussed as the main features of Mexican history, it should be emphasized that these are the historical concepts, which shape the image of the Mexican nation on the political map and in the historical course of the world. Originally, this analysis will be based on the historical research by Octavio Paz, named “The Labyrinth of Solitude”. The fact is that colonizers managed to eliminate the domestic civilization and create the developing country in the fertile plains of Central-America. The history of Mexico is regarded to be one of the most interesting moments of world history.

The Labyrinth of Solitude and Other Writings by Octavio Paz