Literature and Human Rights: news ways of narrating the dictatorship new ways of narrating the dictatorship

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1618

Keywords:

literature, memory, Human Rights, dictatorship, identity, Novel, autobiographical, autofiction

Abstract

Introduction: This article aims to explore the role of literature in the construction of a country's collective memory. In this case, the study is confined to Chile in the context of the civic-military dictatorship (september 1973 to march 1990), a complex process due to its social, political, and economic impact and scope. Methodology: A hermeneutic analysis was used, applied to the two works selected for this study: "Ways of Going Home" (Alejandro Zambra) and "The Twilight Zone" (Nona Fernández). Results: This approach allowed for an investigation and reflection on concepts intersecting in these narratives, such as memory and identity. Discussions: The study established the importance of literature as a pedagogical tool for introducing these traumatic events to future generations. Conclusions: Both texts offer a profound reflection on this negative milestone in Chilean history, its influence on the society's identity, and the importance of addressing trauma and pain to build a more just society in the 21st century.

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Author Biographies

Valeria Osorio Ureta, Universidad de Chile

Master in Political Communication. Journalist and Bachelor's Degree in Social Communication from the University of Santiago de Chile. Diploma in Extension in Education, Memory and Human Rights, University of Chile. 15 years of professional experience in higher education institutions, both public and private, in the field of popularisation and communication of science, linking with the environment, as well as art, culture and heritage. She has received literary and academic recognition.

Simón Pérez Seballos, University of Santiago Chile

PhD Candidate in American Studies, mention in Thought and Culture, University of Santiago de Chile. National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) scholarship holder for National Doctorate studies (Chile). Journalist and Bachelor in Social Communication from the University of Santiago de Chile and Master in Political Communication from the University of Chile (Conicyt Fellow). He has received literary (short stories, micro-stories) and academic recognition. He has also published scientific papers on communication, youth, culture and politics, and has participated in seminars and international conferences in Argentina, Italy and Mexico. Professional experience as a teacher in Strategic Communication and Political Marketing, in addition to more than 10 years of professional experience in Strategic and Institutional Communication, science communication, culture and media outreach.

References

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Published

2025-02-19

How to Cite

Osorio Ureta, V., & Pérez Seballos, S. (2025). Literature and Human Rights: news ways of narrating the dictatorship new ways of narrating the dictatorship. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1618

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

Humanism and Social Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2025 Valeria Osorio Ureta, Simón Pérez Seballos

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