The Invincible Mestiza, identity and project in Sonia Montecino’s novel La Revuelta

Abstract

In this novel, the topic of identity is expressed from three different perspectives: class, gender and ethnicity. These aspects cannot be analyzed without considering power relations. The title, La Revuelta, links the issue of identity with power. La revuelta is the feminine form of the adjective “muddy” and refers to the mestizo blood of the central character Noemí. Besides, it also refers to the revolt against the oppressive force of the society, as well as the ritual fight against evil. In this way, the discourse of the novel reveals a project identity that rescues the Mapuche culture and is opposed to the official identitary discourse.