7.8 “Dos palabras” – Isabel Allende

3 min read•january 30, 2023

Riya Patel

AP Spanish Literature 💃🏽

24 resources

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Background of Isabel Allende

Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American writer, known for her works of magical realism and feminist literature. Born on August 2, 1942, in Lima, Peru, Allende is the daughter of former Chilean ambassador, Tomás Allende, and cousin of Chilean President Salvador Allende. She lived in several countries, including Chile, before settling in the United States.

Her writing career began with the publication of her first novel "La casa de los espíritus" (The House of the Spirits) in 1982, which became an instant bestseller in Spanish-speaking countries and was later translated into multiple languages. With her imaginative and captivating storytelling, Allende has become one of the most celebrated and widely read Latin American authors of her generation. Her works have been praised for their vivid characters, imaginative use of magical realism, and exploration of important social and cultural issues, including gender equality and the experiences of women.

Overview of “Dos palabras”

"Dos palabras" is a short story by Chilean-American writer Isabel Allende. The story is set in a small Chilean village and is told from the perspective of a young girl named Belisa. The story explores the themes of childhood, family, and the power of language. Belisa sets out on a journey to discover the meaning of the two words that she hears her mother and grandmother repeating, and along the way she learns important lessons about love, sacrifice, and the power of language. Through Belisa's experiences, Allende creates a vivid and imaginative portrayal of childhood and the experiences of a young girl, making the story an important contribution to the study of childhood and family.

Themes and Motifs

Some common themes and motifs highlighted in the passage are:

Childhood: The story focuses on the experiences and perspectives of a young girl and explores the innocence and wonder of childhood.
Family: The story highlights the close-knit relationships between family members and the deep bonds that are formed through shared experiences.
Power of Language: "Dos palabras" explores the power of language and the way it can shape our experiences and perceptions. The title of the story, "Two Words," refers to the power of a few words to change someone's life.

Literary Devices and Techniques

Literary devices and techniques observed in the text include:

Magical Realism: Allende uses elements of magical realism to create a surreal and imaginative atmosphere in the story. The young girl's journey to discover the meaning of the two words is tinged with a sense of magic and mystery.
First-Person Narration: The story is told from the perspective of a young girl, providing a unique and intimate view of the world.
Symbolism: The two words at the center of the story are symbolic of the power of language and the impact it can have on our lives.

Impact of the Text

The impact of Isabel Allende's "Dos palabras" can be seen in its continued popularity as a classic of Chilean and Latin American literature. The story has been widely read and studied, and has been praised for its imaginative use of magical realism, vivid and memorable characters, and its exploration of important themes such as childhood, family, and the power of language. Through Belisa's journey, Allende provides a unique and insightful perspective on the experiences of young girls, capturing the wonder and innocence of childhood while also exploring deeper issues of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

Additionally, "Dos palabras" is considered to be a prime example of Allende's imaginative and captivating storytelling style, which has become one of the defining characteristics of her writing and has earned her a reputation as one of the most celebrated and widely read authors in the Latin American literary canon. Her works continue to be widely read and studied, and have been praised for their imaginative use of magical realism, memorable characters, and powerful explorations of important social and cultural issues.

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