Literary Analysis: The Squatter And The Don

Literary history is a topic that deals with the assessment of literature from the different historical period. Literature can be categorized into different historical periods and genres, history from various eras have different characteristics in that their features, common assumptions and writing norms will vary from one literature period to another. Literary history in literature helps classify literature and work of art into different historical contexts as well as different characteristics of the various historical periods in writing literature. Literary history helps appreciate literature from different perspectives and contexts. Differentiating literature into different historical contexts promotes understanding of what influenced the …show more content…
In romanticism, nature is also comprised of the artificial changes and developments of civilization. The narrator describes the experiences of Don Mariano, a California rancher who was invaded in the historical developmental period and ended up being a marginalized majority and among the conquered population. The “Squatter” represents the invaders who came in later on to occupy the lands. It presents a symbolic historical contradiction that raised conflicts through racial discrimination and entitlement of land to the …show more content…
Though some of the Mexicans acquired tenancy through grants, the United States Land Commission determined the validity of the large land grants with the intention of forcing the Mexicans out of their lands so that enough land would be available for the squatters. Also, the natives who are aristocratic and enlightened are obliged to adapt to the change in nature i.e. the new mode capitalist production.The novel points out the romance aspects of literature i.e. love. The narrator highlights the conflicts and resolutions that face a romantic couple life. For instance, the conflicts rising from the inappropriateness of a Catholic marrying a Protestant according to comments from a Mexican rancher. The couple’s life is affected by the national conflicts forcing them to move out of Monterrey due conflict between the North and South.
The concepts of symbolism and myths are prominent in romanticism. The symbols could be used metaphorical communications and provide suggestions on various ideas. In romanticism, there might be a desire to express ideas indirectly hence using symbols and myths. For instance, The Head of Joaquin Murrieta, as a false story about a legend, Joaquin Murrieta, the head is used as a symbol for an untruthful and inglorious past of the legend and suffering of Mexican people in California which the narrator seeks to eliminate in the society. The myths