7.3 “No oyes ladrar los perros” – Juan Rulfo

Background of Juan Rulfo

Overview of “No oyes ladrar los perros”

Themes and Motifs

1. Search for identity: Juan Preciado sets out on a journey to fulfill his deceased mother's wish to find his father in Comala. Through his journey, he explores themes of filial duty and the search for a sense of self.
2. Death and the afterlife: The town of Comala is portrayed as a symbol of the afterlife, where the ghosts of the dead reside. The story explores the themes of memory and the way that death can impact the living.
3. Memory: The story is filled with flashbacks and memories of the past, and the town of Comala serves as a symbol of the collective memories of its residents.
4. Haunting: The story is filled with supernatural elements, such as the ghosts of the dead who haunt the town of Comala, which serve as a reminder of the past and the impact of death on the living.
5. Isolation and loneliness: The emptiness and silence of Comala serve as a symbol of the isolation and loneliness experienced by its residents, both living and dead.
6. Disconnection: The recurring phrase "Do you hear the dogs barking?" highlights the disconnection between the living and the dead, and serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional distance between the two.
7. Decay and Desolation: The description of Comala as a desolate and haunted place underscores the themes of decay and desolation that pervade the story.

Literary Devices and Techniques

1. Stream of consciousness: The narrative is told from the perspective of Juan Preciado, and the reader is given access to his inner thoughts and reflections as he travels to Comala.
2. Magic realism: The story blends elements of reality and the supernatural, such as the ghosts of the dead residents who haunt the town of Comala.
3. Flashback: Throughout the story, Juan Preciado encounters people who recall events and memories from the past, providing flashbacks to the reader.
4. Symbolism: The town of Comala is symbolic of the afterlife, with its ghosts representing the souls of the dead.
5. Irony: The title of the story, "No oyes ladrar los perros," meaning "Do you hear the dogs barking?" is a recurring phrase in the story and is used ironically to describe the emptiness and silence of the town.
6. Imagery: The use of vivid descriptions of the landscape and characters helps to create a powerful and haunting atmosphere in the story.
7. Foreshadowing: The ominous and surreal descriptions of Comala throughout the story foreshadow the grim reality that Juan Preciado will eventually discover upon his arrival.

Impact of the Text

1. Literary impact: The story is considered a classic of magical realist literature and has been widely studied and analyzed for its unique style and themes.
2. Cultural impact: The story reflects on Mexican culture and history, and its themes of identity, death, and the afterlife resonate with many readers.
3. Influence on other writers: The style and themes of "No oyes ladrar los perros" have been influential to other writers and artists, particularly in the Latin American literary tradition.
4. Impact on the Spanish language: The story has had a lasting impact on the Spanish language, with its vivid and haunting descriptions and distinctive style influencing the way that the Spanish language is used in literature.
5. Political impact: The story is set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution, and its themes of poverty, inequality, and political oppression have made it a powerful commentary on Mexican society.