Literature is a reflection of reality. As critic, novelist, and screenwriter Mario Vargas Llosa unveils misfortunes, crimes and sacrifices all of which he experienced more of during his stint as one of Peru’s political figures. Death in the Andes was written after his return from his brief unsuccessful presidential race. The book was an output for Vargas Llosa to articulate his desire to uplift the Peruvian people.
However admirable his intentions, the book seems to be filled with frustrations and of angst against the bad elements in society.Known for his story-within-a-story format and combining well-knit criticism into his writings, Vargas Llosa garners the Planeta Prize in 1994 for Death in the Andes (Jaggi 2002). Comparatively, the setting reminds us of Peru’s politically violent and socially unstable environment, portraying Peruvian conflicting views on civilization and barbarity, darkness and reality. Llora’s modern ideological concepts surprise most of the people.
His skill and world view dominate his writings.The main characters in Death in the Andes, Corporal Lituma and Deputy Tomas, were sent to Naccos to find and resolve the mysterious disappearance and murder of three men in the mountains. Weeks after their arrival and still as clueless and frightened as their first night in the dark, they manage to exchange views and find comfort from each other despite the gloom and hopelessness in the forsaken town. Llora, while serving as a leader in a 1983 government office, investigated the massacre of eight journalists (Jaggi 2002). There are several attempts of encouragement and good words in the book.
Corporal Lituma advices Tomas to keep up the spirit and soon enough they will be leaving Naccos. But even Lituma submits to hopelessness at times. He acknowledges the strength and dominance of the rebels over the dilapidating military organization. Death in the Andes reveals the overlapping of old and new beliefs as well as an attempt to justify physical and spiritual malignancies arising from concerns of the missing people. Like the Shining Path guerillas, Peruvians cannot escape their haunting past.
They roam in the dark, grappling for their way.The seemingly overwhelming responsibility of the Civil Guards to look after the townsfolk amid the terror may show Llora’s intention to stand by his principles, stand by the people despite the odds. A rather heroic motive as we can surmise from his intent to run for office. Prior to 1990 Election, Llora campaigned for radical changes in Peru (Jaggi 2002). Despite an aristocratic upbringing, Llora wanted to bring hope to the Peruvians. He was spiteful of the social injustices the people of Peru were suffering.
The townsfolk are restless. But there is only backwardness, poverty and no unity among the townsfolk.Similarly, the people in Nacca were as hopeless, victims of poverty and terrorism. The missing men: Andamarca, Dionisio and an Indian caretaker.
Rumors, dispensed by unsatisfied fears, say they may have been taken by ghosts lurking in the dark crevices of the land. At night, they take their prey and voraciously feed on them while their fats are used for church bells. From terrorism to crime to rituals, Lituma and Tomas embark in. Several characters die morbidly contributing to the graveness and sickening hopelessness of the people.
A striking irony would be the light that Lituma and Tomas bring.Tomas seem unaffected by the grim conditions of the rural folk. He is engulfed in his infatuation bubble. A gleam sparks in his eyes. Either naivete or unconditional love has caught his sleeve.
The presence of the French couple introduces fresh insight into Peru’s landscape and culture. Having no idea of the path they will be crossing, the tourists are very interested and excited to explore their newfound treasure island. Lituma contemplates and thinks over the Peruvian’s destiny trying to understand that most Peruvians accept their fate.The country’s lack of political stability ensure that developments will be a long way.
They will continue to live in such unacceptable conditions because of a lack of direction and an effective leadership. Lituma’s assignment entails them to interact and ask the townsfolk’s cooperation. However, both have been treated like foreigners as a result of the people’s surprisingly reluctant interaction. Vargas Llosa’s first hand experience in political leadership during his campaign allowed him the privilege to experience interacting with the community. However, his experience may have been unfruitful.He often raised points to the eternal, stubborn nature of violence in Latin America.
In the story, the corporal was sent to watch over 200 constituents. The possibility of getting caught between the guerillas and the government is increasing. To get caught is perilous and entails years of no progress as has happened in Naccos. Powerful, but isolated, Corporal Lituma can’t do much.
A case he also experienced during his political campaigns. In 1987, Llosa fought against former President Alan Garcia Perez’ attempt to nationalize banks and succeeded. Perez was running Peru’s economy to the ground.Llosa’s program pushes for development of informal economies, bring down inflation to 10%, attract foreign investment and privatize bankrupt state businesses. Peru’s inflation soars to 3,000% a year.
Average standard of living of has plunged 50% since mid 80s. Corruption thrives in and out of the inefficient bureaucracy. All these worsened by heightened political violence – a reaction of Shining Path rebels to repugnant governance. Notorious Shining Path assassinated 696 political candidates a year prior to election. Rebels had billion dollar stakes in black market drug trade.Llosa, whose lack of political motive and maneuvering, remains unsupported by the military, a major aspect of government to cap terrorism in Peru.
His writings showcase characters that strive to fight corruption and injustice. Margaret Thatcher and Charles de Gaulle remains as his model in governance. Others continue to wonder Llosa’s motives behind running for president. The novelist regards his shift to a political career was intended for changing Peru.
His writings have continued to reflect the suffrage and injustice the people are burdened with, that, he believes, can no longer be changed with writing.Mario Vargas Llosa’s passion has touched his son’s life, Alfaro recently came up with "Liberty for Latin America" as reaction to increasing poverty, conflict and a crumbling economy. After his father, Alfaro suggests that reforms in the 1990s, including corporatism, state mercantilism, wealth transfer, privilege and politicized law, failed. To rise above state oppression, Alfaro proposes that Latin America must check legislations, economic systems and mechanisms that undermine living and working conditions of citizens.
