8.1 “Mi caballo mago” – Sabine Ulibarrí

4 min read•january 30, 2023

Riya Patel

AP Spanish Literature 💃🏽

24 resources

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Background of Sabine Ulibarrí

Sabine Ulibarrí was a Chilean-American poet, writer, and educator. Born on January 4, 1919, in Coyhaique, Chile, Ulibarrí was a prominent figure in Chilean and Latin American literature, known for his works of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. He was a member of the Generación del 50, a group of Chilean writers who emerged in the mid-20th century and were known for their experimentation with new forms and styles of writing.

Ulibarrí was educated in Chile, and later went on to study in the United States, where he received a PhD in Latin American Literature from the University of California, Berkeley. Throughout his career, he was a respected teacher and scholar, and held several positions in academic institutions in Chile, the United States, and Europe.

His writing style is characterized by its blend of humor, satire, and irony, and his works are known for their exploration of themes such as Chilean culture, identity, and politics. Ulibarrí was a celebrated figure in Chilean and Latin American literature, and his works continue to be widely read and studied, making him an important figure in the study of Chilean and Latin American literature.

Overview of “Mi caballo mago”

"Mi caballo mago" is a short story by Chilean writer Sabine Ulibarrí. The story revolves around a young man who buys a horse that he believes has magical powers, and his attempts to use the horse to escape from his mundane life and make his dreams come true. The protagonist's relationship with the horse serves as a metaphor for his own desires and aspirations, and the story explores themes of escapism, fantasy, and the longing for a more fulfilling life.

Throughout the story, Ulibarrí employs elements of magical realism, humor, and irony to create a captivating and imaginative narrative. The story is considered a classic of Chilean literature, and is widely read and studied in Chile and throughout Latin America. The story's imaginative use of magical realism, its exploration of themes of escapism and the search for a more fulfilling life, and its humorous and playful tone, make it a memorable and captivating piece of literature.

Themes and Motifs

Themes in "Mi caballo mago" by Sabine Ulibarrí include:

Escapism: The protagonist's desire to escape from his mundane life and find fulfillment is a central theme of the story.
Fantasy: The horse that the protagonist believes to have magical powers serves as a symbol of the power of imagination and the allure of fantasy.
Longing: The protagonist's search for something more in life reflects the universal human longing for fulfillment and meaning.
Reality vs. Illusion: The story explores the boundary between reality and illusion, as the protagonist tries to reconcile his beliefs in magic with the harsh realities of life.
The Search for Identity: The protagonist's quest to discover his own identity and place in the world is a central motif in the story.
Humor: Ulibarrí's humorous and playful tone is a prominent feature of the story, adding to its charm and making it a memorable and entertaining read.
Magic and the Supernatural: The use of magical elements such as the magical horse serves to heighten the fantastical and imaginative quality of the story, and to explore the idea of the supernatural.

Literary Devices and Techniques

The following are some literary devices and techniques used in "Mi caballo mago" by Sabine Ulibarrí:

Magical Realism: The story employs elements of magical realism, a literary style that blends fantastical and supernatural elements with real-world events and settings.
Irony: Ulibarrí uses irony to play with the reader's expectations and to underscore the contrast between reality and the protagonist's beliefs and desires.
Symbolism: The horse serves as a symbol of the protagonist's desires and aspirations, and the story is full of other symbols and metaphors that help to explore its themes.
Imagery: The story is full of vivid, imaginative imagery that creates a memorable and captivating narrative.
Hyperbole: Ulibarrí employs hyperbole and exaggerated language to emphasize the fantastical and imaginative qualities of the story.
Stream of Consciousness: The story often shifts into the protagonist's thoughts and reflections, allowing the reader to get inside his head and better understand his motivations and desires.
Flashbacks: The story includes flashbacks to the protagonist's past, which help to shed light on his character and motivations.
Humor: Ulibarrí's use of humor is a prominent feature of the story, adding to its charm and making it a memorable and entertaining read.

Impact of the Text

"Mi caballo mago" by Sabine Ulibarrí has had a significant impact on Latin American literature, particularly in terms of its contributions to the genre of magical realism. The story's imaginative and fantastical elements, combined with its exploration of universal themes such as the search for identity and fulfillment, have made it a beloved and widely read work of fiction.

Additionally, the story's humor and playful tone have made it appealing to readers of all ages, and its use of magical realism and symbolism has influenced many other writers in the region. The story's popularity has helped to establish Sabine Ulibarrí as an important figure in Latin American literature, and its impact on the genre of magical realism continues to be felt today.

Overall, "Mi caballo mago" is a beloved and influential work of fiction that continues to captivate and inspire readers with its imaginative and fantastical elements, its exploration of universal themes, and its memorable and entertaining narrative.

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8.1“Mi caballo mago” – Sabine Ulibarrí

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