Paraguay is a small country with a population of about 6 million. Most of the people living in this locality are Latinos; however, you do have a sprinkle of other nationalities throughout the country. The country is located in the South American continent (landlocked by Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina) with Catholic being the main religion in the area.
Paraguay is measured as one of the under-developed countries with most of its population living in abject poverty, which citizens mainly depend on income from small business and vending. The country uses a two-party system of governing with three branches of government. Paraguay is heavily influenced with the Spanish culture, which is rich in tradition, literature, and poetry. Since the country is poor, many famous authors have become published outside the country and have gone to countries such as Argentina and Mexico.
One example of a famous poet from this region was Manuel Ortiz Guerrero who was born on July 16, 1894. Before he died, he was recognized as being one of the most creative and popular writers in Paraguay. He wrote poems that reflected the hardship he underwent in his life and about things that happened in the modern world. Some of his works include Surgente (1922), La Conquista (1926) and Eirete (1921).
Another famous author was Herib Campos Cervera. His poetry and ideological works mainly discussed the socialist and communalist beliefs of the society. His beliefs and ideology works made him fly into exile more often than not for speaking against the authoritarian and dictatorial government. One of his famous poetry books he wrote was Ceniza redimida (1950). Another was Hombre secreto that was published after his death.
Among this list of famous poets and authors was Roque Vallejos. He started his career as a forensic surgeon in the court of justice, which his literary works were a great contribution. Roque Vallejo’s and others formed the group called Generation 60. They dedicated their writings to political and social issues. Some of his best writing are Tiempo baldio (1988) and Los arcangeles ebrios. (1964).
Apart from the above three mentioned poets, Gabriel Casaccia must not be forgotten. He is still recognized as the king of modern literature in Paraguay. After graduating in law at the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, he became a journalist. His works were focused on fiction and magazine writings. His most popular writings included novels such as La Babosa (1952), La Llaga (1963) and also short stories and plays.
Just by this small display of Poets, it is evident that Paraguay is a country that has produced great writers; although, it is still considered a very small and poor country. As time goes on people are becoming exposed to technology and literature from all around the world. Hopefully we can look forward to seeing more great writers emerge from Paraguay.
