Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

The Campaign, set against the sweeping backdrop of Spanish America's struggle for independence from Spain in the early 19th century, offers a multi-layered narrative that intertwines historical events with personal quests. The novel, the first in a trilogy capturing a century of revolutionary change leading up to the Mexican Revolution, explores themes of identity, freedom, and the transformative power of language. Through the journey of its protagonist, Baltasar Bustos, the story captures the essence of an age caught in the throes of defining its future.

A Revolutionary Quest

The narrative begins with the vibrant chaos of 1810 Buenos Aires on the brink of declaring independence. Here, Baltasar Bustos, a passionate law clerk, makes a daring move that sets the tone for his journey. By swapping a newborn white child with a black infant, the son of a punished prostitute, Bustos ignites a chain of events that challenge societal norms and symbolize his commitment to racial equality. This act, rooted in the revolutionary ideas of Rousseau and Voltaire, propels him across a continent seething with change, in pursuit of personal and political ideals.

Journeys Through Uncertainty

Bustos' travels take him deep into the heart of the revolutionary struggle across South America. From the bustling streets of Lima to the conflicted lands of Upper Peru, his path is one of both enlightenment and peril. Guided by his letters to Manuel Varela, the narrative's narrator and printer in Buenos Aires, Bustos' experiences highlight the limitations and power of language in conveying the tumultuous realities of change. His emotional speeches often fall on ears that cannot understand his Spanish, underscoring a disconnect between legal declarations and lived experiences.

The Kaleidoscope of History

Carlos Fuentes employs a narrative style that is as dynamic as the era it depicts. Each chapter shifts focus to a new location, reassembling familiar themes and elements with fresh insights. This technique mirrors the unpredictable flow of history, capturing the cyclical nature of revolutionary fervor and the ongoing quest for understanding and identity. Bustos' chronicles, captured in his letters and the words of historical thinkers, create a tapestry of retrospection and prophecy, weaving together personal and political narratives.

Education of the Heart and Mind

Bustos' journey is as much about internal growth as it is about external exploration. Along the way, he meets mentors who challenge his convictions, pushing him to question and refine his beliefs. In "The Pampa," he confronts his father's authoritarian ways, and in "El Dorado," he encounters the mysticism of Indian tradition. These experiences force him to navigate a surreal vision of a city of light, questioning whether it is a glimpse of the past, present, or an imagined future. This blend of visions grounds Bustos in a reality that is as much about introspection as it is about action.

Mirror Images and Dualities

The Campaign is rife with dualities and mirrored images that reflect the complexities of identity. From the two infants exchanged at birth to the doppelgangers Bustos meets along his journey, the novel delves into the theme of self-discovery amidst chaos. Bustos himself embodies this dual nature, alternating between his role as a refined city gentleman and a hardened guerrilla fighter. This juxtaposition illustrates his struggle to reconcile his ideals with reality, a journey mirrored in the lives of those he meets.

Love and Liberation

Central to Bustos' journey is his fervent pursuit of Ofelia Salamanca, a quest that intertwines with his engagement in the broader revolutionary cause. As he fights alongside San Martín’s Army, the narrative explores the intersections of personal desire and national struggle. Bustos' personal and political passions culminate in...

(This entire section contains 799 words.)

Unlock this Study Guide Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

a poignant realization of the challenges that lie beyond achieving independence—the need for unity and enduring institutions.

Conclusion: A New Beginning

Bustos' odyssey concludes with a return to Buenos Aires, accompanied by Ofelia's son, symbolizing both a homecoming and a fresh start. In the boy, Bustos finds a connection to his past and an embodiment of future hope, merging his personal journey with the broader narrative of a continent in transformation. Through The Campaign, Carlos Fuentes crafts a story that is as much about the past's impact on identity as it is about the potential for future change. The novel is an intricate tapestry that blends historical context with the timeless human quest for meaning and self-definition.

Further Reading

For those interested in exploring more about the themes and historical contexts addressed in The Campaign, the following sources provide further insights:

  • Booklist, LXXXVII, July 1991, p. 2011
  • Chicago Tribune, October 13, 1991, XIV, p. 7
  • The Economist, CCCXXI, November 16, 1991, p. 112
  • Kirkus Reviews, LIX, July 1, 1991, p. 808
  • Library Journal, CXVI, September 1991, p. 230
  • Los Angeles Times Book Review, October 20, 1991, p. 2
  • The New York Times Book Review, XCVI, October 6, 1991, p. 3
  • Publishers Weekly, CCXXXVIII, August 2, 1991, p. 63
  • The Times Literary Supplement, November 15, 1991, p. 6
  • The Washington Post, October 31, 1991, p. C1
Next

Themes

Loading...