I, the Supreme
 |
| File:Ithesupreme2.jpg The cover of the Spanish edition of the novel, published by Cátedra. | |
| Author | Augusto Roa Bastos |
|---|---|
| Original title | 'Yo el supremo' |
| Translator | Helen Lane |
| Language | Spanish |
| Genre | Historical novel |
Publication date | 1974 |
| Publication place | Paraguay |
Published in English | 1986 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| ISBN | 1-56478-247-6 |
I The Supreme (orig. Spanish Yo el supremo) is a historical novel written by exiled Paraguayan author Augusto Roa Bastos. This book was first published in Spanish in 1974, and in English (translation by Helen Lane) in 1986.
This novel is a fictionalized account of the 19th Century Paraguayan dictator José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, who was also known as "Dr. Francia." Its title derives from the fact that Francia referred to himself as "El Supremo" or "the Supreme."[1]
Style
"I, The Supreme" has a number of stylistic elements that make it stand out from other novels written in the Dictator Novel genre. Firstly, there are no quotation marks used in the body of the book. While making the book stand out, it is a curious stylistic choice given that the entire novel revolves almost entirely around conversations between El Supremo (Dr. Francia) and his secretary, Patiño. Secondly, there are numerous examples of "made-up" words. Used almost exclusively by The Supreme, the words serve to outline both the eccentricity of Dr. Francia, and the complete power he holds over Patiño, given that the latter simply apologizes when he is unable to make sense of what the leader dictates to him.
Characters
Dr. Francia (El Supremo)
The character the book is named after, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia or "Dr. Francia" is undoubtedly the main focus of the book, although not in a bibliographic sense. Most of the book is dedicated to his dictates to his secretary, Patiño. El Supremo is a domineering man, frequently belittling his closest confidant. He is also an infirm man, as the book is set a short time before his death on September 20th, 1840.
See also
Footnotes
References
- Buffery, Helena (30). "Roa Bastos and the Question of Cultural Translatability (or how does one get to Paraguay?)". Dissidences. Hispanic Journal of Theory and Criticism.
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