1. Carpentier Born in Cuba Lived in Cuba, Paris, and Venezuela Connected European and Latin American lit. Considered a father of modern Latin American lit. Was a journalist during WWII Also studied music

2. Magical Realism “lo real maravilloso” Genre in which magical elements or illogical scenarios appear in an otherwise realistic/normal setting Magic and reality are blurred Looking at life through a child’s eye History and geography of Latin America are both so extreme that they appear fictional or magical to outsiders (Carpentier)

3. The Lost Steps Published 1953 Musicologist flees empty existence in NYC Narrator journeys with mistress (Mouche) to a place untouched by civilization - upper reaches of a great South American river

4. The text is a journey through space and time Written in 1st person Unnamed narrator: protagonist Wife: Ruth (theater actress) Mistress: Mouche (French name = fly) Structure: can be read as a diary, includes fragments of the past; recollections

5. Themes Time (what is timeless?), (time enslaves us) The past Civilization “hollow men” / “empty men” Modern existence Existentialism

6. A philosophy of human existence and decision The study of being and decision, the nature of existence Began in 20th century Discusses: freedom of choice, self determination, and responsibility We make ourselves and our lives; we create our own meaning to life