Claribel Alegria

In Latin American culture, like in many areas, the people are heavily affected by the development in the countries where they live. Oftentimes, especially in this specific region in the world, many countries are underdeveloped when compared to other countries. Nicaragua is no exception. Claribel Alegría, a Nicaraguan-born author, unsurprisingly writes using themes often found in developing countries because of poverty, high death rates, and lack of rights. Unsurprisingly, Claribel Alegría uses literary elements and devices to address themes of death, agriculture, and hopelessness. The theme of death is heavily present in Alegría’s works. A device what Alegría uses to demonstrate the team of death is simile, and in her poem, “Savoir Faire,”
One way Alegría shows the theme of agriculture is through personification. In her poem, “Documentary,” she applies person-like traits to an ant, while also allowing the ant to retain some of its own characteristics. “Let’s photograph the ant heap / the queen ant / extruding sacks of coffee” (320). She poses the idea that the queen ant, or the controller of everything, demands that coffee undergo production continuously, which is a human-like quality. Another device used by Alegría to show agricultural theme is metaphor. She likens an airplane to a bee. “A peasant… blinks at the airplane: a huge bee,” she elaborates (321). The honey trade is obviously made important here, which was done deliberately by the author in many places in this poem. Lastly, in “Documentary,” Alegría uses native language to bring attention to agricultural themes. She gives examples of many home-grown native fruits. She describes, “A panorama of nances, nisperos, oranges, zunzas, zapotes, cheeses, bananas, dogs, pupusas, jacotes” (322). Her intermingling of native language and English gives the reader context and shows the importance of agriculture. When it comes to themes, the author does not seem to let any thematic aspect be