The (Re)Assertion of the Homophobic <em>Habitus</em>: "Un hombre muerto a puntapiés", by Pablo Palacio

Abstract

This article analyses the representation of the homosexual pathologic-criminal category of early 20th Century, in the tale “Un hombre muerto a puntapiés” (1926), of the Ecuadorian Pablo Palacio. To that end, narratological elements of voice, focus, time and modality, as well as title, heading, incipit, intra-diegesis and extra-diegesis, are identified. Once these have been identified, the way in which these textual elements and resources contribute to the creation of the homophobic experience and reality is described. Such analysis is supported by some theoretical principles of narratology, queer theory, social criticism and semiotic, in order to provide a hermeneutic reading. It concludes that a transindividual (re)affirmation of the homophobic habitus and injury is given through narrator’s voice. This comes to constitute the whole tale as a character assassination. In addition, how far the narrator’s homophobic prejudice, injurious story and double assassination have permeated literary critics is demonstrated, because it has accepted the homosexual’s stereotype and stigmatization.