The Andean subject and the idea of the Peruvian nation in the view of Ricardo Palma

Ildefonso Pérez Huarancca J. · America sin Nombre (2026) · DOI: 10.14198/amesn.28613

Resumen

This article studies texts from Ricardo Palma’s Traditions and essays, specifically those that refer to the Incas and Indigenous people as cultural subjects. It establishes the characteristics of Palma’s indigenism in his narrative texts. Furthermore, it analyzes and interprets this writer’s perspective on the pre-Hispanic Inca past, particularly on the pre-Hispanic subject, and identifies and evaluates the project of a Peruvian nation that is implicitly embodied in his artistic-narrative and critical discourse. The study also includes a detailed review of the current state of research and engages with the various approaches of the most prominent scholars of literary and cultural criticism in Peru who address this topic. To this end, it employs several current paradigms related to the study of literary and cultural discourse. In the context of Peruvian literature, Ricardo Palma is a stellar figure, not only for his narrative works and essays, but also because he was an intellectual deeply interested in the course of Peruvian history and culture. His nickname, «Beggar Librarian,» should be understood as symbolic of his destiny in relation to Peru and its culture. Studying his texts, therefore, is a task that justifies any effort. His Traditions (such a unique way of establishing a productive dialogue between history and narrative art) always present a challenge for any researcher who engages with a topic in Peruvian literature. Despite the time that has passed since his death and the vast body of literature surrounding his work, it is always necessary to revisit his legacy, especially in light of current paradigms in literary and cultural studies.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión