The Mythification of Santa Maria in La Vida Breve, by Juan Carlos Onetti

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that in the novel La vida breve, by Juan Carlos Onetti, the city of Santa Maria is created and mythologized based on a mythical setting in relation to the symbol, the myth, and the archetype. This situation is part of the ancient and archaic tradition related to the creation an mythification of a city by means of a rite, as if it were the setting of a mystery in a sacred space and time in a scene. As for the space, the design is based on the geometric figure or the square; in addition, it consists of the notion of center as axis mundi. In relation to time, the founding of the city must take place on a special date. Furthermore, in the novel is the myth of the passion of Christ, where the presence of the Virgin Mary is essential. The city created by Onetti is a city of sinners. The Virgin is invoked as a protective mother. In this element of the mythical decoration of the city, the images of the mother of Christ and that of Santa Rosa Maria de Lima merge.