Resumen de From ‘Guardia’ to ‘Guarida’ and ‘Insilio’ to ‘Exilio’: a Close (Re-)Reading of Senel Paz’s “El lobo, el bosque y el hombre nuevo”

Kelly Comfort

• español

  Este análisis de “El lobo, el bosque y el hombre nuevo” (1990) de Senel Paz examina cómo el autor cubano contrasta las palabras “guardia” y “guarida” en numerosos momentos de su historia para yuxtaponer los actos de exhibir(se) y esconder(se), de guardar(se) y de estar de guardia. En el espacio externo y público de Cuba, el término “guardia” domina; en el espacio interior y privado del departamento de Diego, el término “gaurida” prevalece.

  Después de establecer esta tensión entre “guardia” y “guarida”, examinaremos las implicaciones de la transición de Diego desde su “insilio” en la “guarida” a su “exilio” fuera del país.

• English

  This close (re-)reading of Senel Paz’s “El lobo, el bosque y el hombre nuevo” (1990) examines how the Cuban author purposefully yet subtly contrasts the words “guardia” and “guarida” at numerous points in his story. In the external space and public sphere of communist Cuba, the former term—“guardia”—dominates; in the inner island and private space of Diego’s apartment, the latter term—“gaurida”—prevails. The narrative juxtaposes being guarded and on guard, hiding out and being on look out. Ultimately, Diego’s “insilio” in the “guarida” gives way to his “exilio” at the end of the story, as he decides that he must leave Cuba if he wishes to attain true freedom in the public sphere. Upon first establishing the tension in the story between “guardia” and “guarida,” this article goes on to examine the implications of the transition from inner to outer exile, from a willing retreat into a selfcreated insular hideaway to the decision to leave the island nation altogether.