Representations of Rural Homes in the Novels Margarita (1875) by Josefina Pelliza and El Lujo (1889) by Lola Larrosa

Abstract

This article analyzes the representations of country home in the Argentine novels Margarita (1875), by Josefina Pelliza and El lujo (1889), by Lola Larrosa. Written within the Romantic aesthetic, with a sentimental plot, and abundant melodramatic literary resources, these novels can be considered conservative in their ideologies, as they promete and consolidate dominant ideas about the role of women in modern society). But, as part of the tension of horizons that is structural and inherent to melodrama (Singer) these texts also provide representations of marginal citizens, criticize the marriage and denounce the unfair distribution of wealth in society.