Abstract

This dissertation studies the literary work of the Chilean writer Juan Emar . The first two chapters consist of his biography and a description of the period that runs from 1918 to 1939 in Montparnasse which Emar considers to be the most important of his life. The purpose of this description is to understand what Emar means by the fact that an appropriate space is what allows artistic creation to spring forth. This functions at another level within Emar's works because what he creates is a suitable environment for his characters to come alive. These spaces are enclosed worlds governed by internal laws where there is a second and hidden reality which Emar considers to be the real one. Emar seeks to keep this second reality concealed, searching for hidden sources of inspiration in the esoteric and occult traditions. The protagonist of his works has the duty to access that concealed reality as a categorical imperative. This responsibility results in a life of isolation, anger and boredom as he must remain in a meaningless world knowing all the while that it is not the true reality. This condition is pertinent to Emar's protagonist as well as to Emar as a writer. Finally, it is the writing process that allows Emar to remain in a world that no longer has meaning for him as it had during his Montparnasse years