Alberto Blest Gana

Alberto Blest Gana[1†]

Alberto Blest Gana (1830–1920) was a prominent Chilean novelist and diplomat, regarded as the father of the Chilean novel. He is renowned for his works that founded the Chilean social novel genre, depicting the lives of Santiago's middle and upper classes with a critical eye on materialism. His notable works include “La aritmética del amor / Aritmética en el amor” (1860), “Martín Rivas” (1862), and “El ideal de una calavera” (1863)[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Alberto Blest Gana was born on May 4, 1830, in Santiago, Chile[2†][1†]. He was the son of an Irishman, William Cunningham Blest, and María de la Luz Gana Darrigrandi, who came from an aristocratic landowning family[2†][1†]. This diverse heritage played a significant role in shaping his worldview[2†][1†].

Blest Gana began his education at the Santiago military academy[2†]. His studies continued in France, where he pursued military engineering[2†]. It was during this time in France that he came under the influence of the French realists, particularly Honoré de Balzac[2†]. This exposure would later significantly influence his literary style[2†].

Upon his return to Chile in 1852, Blest Gana embarked on a career teaching mathematics in military academies[2†]. His early experiences in education and his exposure to different cultures and ideas were instrumental in shaping his future career as a novelist and diplomat[2†].

Career Development and Achievements

Alberto Blest Gana’s career was marked by significant achievements in both literature and diplomacy[2†][3†][1†].

After returning to Chile in 1852, Blest Gana began teaching mathematics in military academies[2†]. However, his literary work soon brought him fame, leading to various political appointments[2†]. He was named intendant of the province of Colchagua and starting 1866, he served as Chile’s diplomatic representative at Washington, London, and Paris[2†][1†].

Blest Gana is best known for his novels, which founded the Chilean social novel genre[2†]. His early novels, such as “La aritmética del amor” (1860; “Arithmetic in Love”), “Martín Rivas” (1862), and “El ideal de una calavera” (1863; “A Foolish Ideal”), realistically depict the lives of the middle and upper classes of Santiago[2†]. These novels are generally of a stiff nature, character and plot often suffering at the hands of the author’s concern for the evils of materialism[2†].

After a period of more than 30 years, during which he published no new works, he wrote what are considered to be his best novels[2†]. “Durante la Reconquista” (1897; “During the Reconquest”) and “Los transplantados” (1904; “The Uprooted”), both laden with moralistic overtones, are held to be his masterpieces[2†].

Among his successes as a diplomat were the inclusion of Chile in the Universal Postal Union and the purchase of armament for Chilean troops during the War of the Pacific[2†][1†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Alberto Blest Gana’s literary career is marked by a significant body of work that has had a profound impact on Chilean literature. His novels, which are characterized by their realistic portrayal of Chilean life and society, have earned him the title of the founder of the Chilean social novel[2†][1†].

Here are some of his main works:

• “La aritmética del amor / Aritmética en el amor” (1860): This novel, whose title translates to “Arithmetic in Love”, is one of Blest Gana’s early works[2†][1†].
• “Martín Rivas” (1862): Perhaps his most famous work, “Martín Rivas” is a realistic portrayal of life during the 1851 political revolt in Chile[2†][1†]. The novel achieved great success as the first realistic portrayal of Chilean life[2†][1†].
• “El ideal de un calavera” (1863): Translated as “A Foolish Ideal”, this novel is another one of Blest Gana’s early works[2†].

After a period of more than 30 years, during which he published no new works, he wrote what are considered to be his best novels[2†][1†]:

• “Durante la Reconquista” (1897): Translated as “During the Reconquest”, this novel is one of the four novels from his second period of creative activity[2†][1†].
• “Los transplantados” (1904): Translated as “The Exiles”, this novel is another one of his best works from his second period of creative activity[2†][1†].
• “El loco Estero” (1909): This novel, whose title translates to “Estero the Mad”, is about the Chile of Blest Gana’s childhood[2†][1†]. The lively adventure and love intrigue infused with nostalgia qualify this novel as Blest Gana’s greatest work[2†][1†].
• “Gladys Fairfield” (1912): This is the last known novel from his second period of creative activity[2†][1†].

Blest Gana’s novels followed the aesthetic ideals and themes of European Realism, but with a conscious “Americanization” of themes, as a way of making the genre fit (and educational enough) to be read by a national audience[1†]. His writings were explicitly influenced by 19th-century liberalism, but they are also an attempt to reconcile religious and moral ideals of his time[2†][1†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Alberto Blest Gana’s work has been the subject of extensive analysis and evaluation by literary critics and scholars. His novels, characterized by their realistic portrayal of Chilean life and society, have earned him the title of the founder of the Chilean social novel[3†][4†].

Blest Gana’s writings were explicitly influenced by 19th-century liberalism, but they are also an attempt to reconcile religious and moral ideals of his time[3†][4†]. His novels followed the aesthetic ideals and themes of European Realism, but with a conscious “Americanization” of themes, as a way of making the genre fit (and educational enough) to be read by a national audience[3†][4†].

In a special edition of Open Cultural Studies titled “Alberto Blest Gana: 100 Years Later”, Patricia Vilches approaches his oeuvre from innovative and fresh scholarly angles, generating new perspectives on the Chilean author’s most celebrated texts[3†]. The study brings less explored texts, such as “Mariluán” and “Los Trasplantados”, to the foreground, and examines the urban social practices in Blest Gana’s award-winning novel "La aritmética del amor / Aritmética en el amor"[3†].

Another study by Luigi Patruno analyzes Georg Lukács’s theories of realism in relation to Alberto Blest Gana’s work[3†][4†]. The study explores two essays that have greatly contributed to locating the Chilean author’s novels within the realm of literary realism[3†][4†].

In conclusion, Alberto Blest Gana’s work has been recognized for its significant contribution to Chilean literature and its influence on the development of the Chilean social novel. His realistic portrayal of Chilean life and society, combined with his unique blend of European Realism and American themes, has made his work a subject of ongoing study and analysis[3†][4†].

Personal Life

Alberto Blest Gana led a life that was as diverse and multifaceted as his literary work. Born in Santiago, Chile, he was the son of an Irishman, William Cunningham Blest, and María de la Luz Gana Darrigrandi, from an aristocratic landowning family[1†]. This multicultural background, combining Irish and Basque descent, likely influenced his worldview and his work[1†].

Despite his extensive travels and diplomatic appointments, Blest Gana maintained strong ties to his home country of Chile[1†][3†]. His experiences abroad, particularly in France, England, and the United States, where he served as Chile’s diplomatic representative, undoubtedly enriched his personal life and provided him with a broad perspective that is reflected in his novels[1†][3†].

Unfortunately, specific details about Blest Gana’s personal relationships, family, and other notable aspects of his personal life outside of his professional career are not readily available in the public domain. It is known, however, that he lived a long life, passing away in 1920 at the age of 90[1†][3†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Alberto Blest Gana’s legacy is as multifaceted as his life. He is often referred to as the “founder” of the Chilean novel[2†], and his works have had a profound impact on Chilean and Latin American literature[2†][3†]. His novels, which realistically depict the lives of the middle and upper classes of Santiago, are generally considered the first realistic portrayal of Chilean life[2†].

Blest Gana’s work was not limited to his literary contributions. He also held political and diplomatic appointments, which led him to travel and live abroad[2†]. His experiences abroad, particularly in France, England, and the United States, where he served as Chile’s diplomatic representative, undoubtedly enriched his personal life and provided him with a broad perspective that is reflected in his novels[2†].

Despite spending the latter part of his life in Europe, Blest Gana’s heart remained in Chile. His remains rest at Père Lachaise in Paris, one of the most well-known cemeteries in the world, renowned for holding the remains of celebrities and luminaries[2†][3†]. This final resting place in a foreign land is a testament to his global outlook and the international recognition of his work[2†][3†].

A century after his death, scholars continue to study Blest Gana’s work, generating new perspectives on his most celebrated texts[2†][3†]. His novels continue to be read and appreciated, and his influence on Chilean literature is undeniable[2†][3†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: Alberto Blest Gana was born on May 4, 1830, in Santiago, Chile[2†].
• Died: He died on November 9, 1920, in Paris, France[2†].
• Nationality: Chilean[2†].
• Occupation: Novelist, Diplomat[2†][1†].
• Notable Works: Some of his more outstanding novels are “La aritmética del amor / Aritmética en el amor” (1860), “Martín Rivas” (1862), “El Ideal de un calavera” (1863), “Durante la Reconquista” (1897), “Los Trasplantados” (1904), and “El Loco Estero” (1909)[2†][5†].
• Notable Achievements: Blest Gana is often considered the father of the Chilean novel[2†]. He served as the intendant of the province of Colchagua and was later appointed as Chile’s ambassador to England and France[2†][1†]. His diplomatic achievements included the inclusion of Chile in the Universal Postal Union and the procurement of armament for Chilean troops during the War of the Pacific[2†][1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Alberto Blest Gana [website] - link
2. Britannica - Alberto Blest Gana: Chilean writer [website] - link
3. De Gruyter - Alberto Blest Gana: 100 Years Later [website] - link
4. De Gruyter - None [website] - link
5. Encyclopedia.com - Blest Gana, Alberto (1831–1920) [website] - link