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Magda Portal and the Dream of Revolution in Peru

Michael Chabon

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Published in Most Scandalous Woman: Magda Portal And The Dream Of Revolution In Peru (Latin American And Caribbean Arts And Culture)

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Magda Portal was a Peruvian poet, journalist, and political activist who played a key role in the country's literary and political landscape during the early 20th century. Her work is characterized by its strong social and political commentary, its exploration of feminism and gender issues, and its celebration of indigenous Peruvian culture.

Early Life and Education

Magda Portal was born on May 27, 1900, in Arequipa, Peru. Her father was a doctor and her mother was a teacher. Portal's early education was in Arequipa, where she attended the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción. In 1918, she moved to Lima to study at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, where she received a degree in law.

Most Scandalous Woman: Magda Portal and the Dream of Revolution in Peru (Latin American and Caribbean Arts and Culture)

by Ernest Hemingway

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Literary Career

Portal began writing poetry and journalism in her early twenties. Her first book of poetry, Una vida, was published in 1923. This was followed by several other books of poetry, including El despertar (1926),El grito (1928),and Canto de sirena (1930).

Portal's poetry is characterized by its strong social and political commentary. She wrote about the plight of the working class, the oppression of women, and the need for revolution in Peru. Her work is also notable for its exploration of feminism and gender issues. Portal was a vocal advocate for women's rights and her poetry reflects her belief in the equality of women.

Political Activism

Portal's political activism began in the 1920s. She was a member of the Peruvian Communist Party and was active in the labor movement. She also wrote for several left-wing newspapers and magazines.

In 1930, Portal was arrested by the Peruvian government for her political activities. She was imprisoned for several months before being released on bail. In 1932, she went into exile in Mexico.

Portal lived in Mexico for several years, where she continued to write and publish poetry. She also worked with other Peruvian exiles to raise awareness of the political situation in Peru.

Return to Peru

Portal returned to Peru in 1934. She continued to write and publish poetry and was active in the political movement. In 1945, she was elected to the Peruvian Congress.

Portal was a member of the Peruvian Congress for several years. She used her position to advocate for social and political reforms. She also worked to promote the rights of women and indigenous peoples.

Later Years

Portal continued to write and publish poetry until her death in 1989. She is considered one of the most important Peruvian poets of the 20th century. Her work has been translated into several languages and is still read and studied today.

Magda Portal was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy in Peruvian literature and politics. Her work is a powerful voice for the oppressed and a testament to the power of revolution.

Bibliography

* Lauer, Mirko. Magda Portal: La lucha por la igualdad en el Perú del siglo XX. Lima, Peru: Fondo Editorial de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, 2000. * Portal, Magda. Antología poética. Lima, Peru: Editorial San Marcos, 1999. * Salazar Bondy, Sebastián. Magda Portal: Tradición y rebeldía. Lima, Peru: Editorial Milla Batres, 1972.

Most Scandalous Woman: Magda Portal and the Dream of Revolution in Peru (Latin American and Caribbean Arts and Culture)

by Ernest Hemingway

5 out of 5