There is a thread that connects Fortuna by Hernán Díaz, Carnicero by Joyce Carol Oates, and El Hombre by Guillermo Arriaga: all three are significant novels that illustrate the origins of old money in the United States through illuminated and brutal characters.
In El Hombre, the text is recognizable for veteran readers of Arriaga, and for those who have seen films made from his scripts: it is fractured between voices and perspectives, expressionistic, and epic. However, the landscape shifts from New York and New England, found in Fortuna and Carnicero, to Texas, during the period of wars between Apaches, Mexicans, and Americans.
The Contrast of Landscapes
Guillermo Arriaga is often envisioned as a hyper-realistic writer of urban stories. Yet, in this narrative, there are no dark alleys but instead, distant horizons and vast fields. Reflecting on his past, Arriaga shares, “I have always been somewhat of a hermit. As a child, I was streetwise, knowing public transport like the back of my hand. My vision of the city was shaped by metro rides and public buses. Though I’m not as streetwise now, I still see myself that way.”
“My vision of the city was shaped by metro rides and public buses.”
The Nature of Success
The novel explores the idea that there is no success without guilt . Arriaga poses questions about the origins of fortune, suggesting that in the U.S., there is an obsession with old money. “How many of these fortunes are not built on spoils, looting, or slavery?” he asks, highlighting the moral complexities of wealth in America.
He emphasizes the historical weight carried by three foundational sins in both countries: slavery, genocide of Native Americans, and territorial dispossession from Mexico. These historical grievances still resonate in contemporary society and inflate issues like poverty and opportunity for marginalized communities.
The Lingering Impact of History
The conversation extends to the shifts in identity and social dynamics, particularly in light of historical territorial dispossession, which spanned 2.7 million square kilometers. Arriaga expertly intertwines these events with the psychological scars they left on the nation, showing how injustices from the past continue to shape modern America and Mexico.
“The historical grievances still resonate in contemporary society.”
The Mosaic of Voices
Writing El Hombre posed substantial challenges for Arriaga, particularly in crafting a narrative with diverse voices. “It was a complex interweaving of narratives. I needed many voices, but polyphonic novels risk making all the voices sound alike,” he explains. Each character’s unique vocabulary and rhythm required meticulous attention , making the writing process both demanding and rewarding.
Reflecting on Legacy
In drawing connections between El Hombre and his previous works, Arriaga insists that while he aims for greater risks, he also seeks continuity. He hopes his future novels will open new pathways that resonate with past writings, allowing readers to discover a deeper layer to his storytelling.