The Literary Personality of José María Roa Bárcena

Extract

Students of mexican culture have always been interested in the determined political conservatism of José María Roa Bárcena. He has been so definitely associated with the conservative-classic side of Mexican politics and literary expression that it is as surprising to find elements of romanticism in the writings of Roa Bárcena as it is to find poetry of a classical nature written by Ignacio Ramírez. The fact is that although these two men worked toward opposite goals with astonishing consistency, neither was immune to the influence of the opposing faction. For this reason, both men reflect their times, though Roa did so in a much quieter way than did the flamboyant Ramírez.