The publication of the 1941 Latin American Novel Prize winner, Broad and Alien is the World, shifted international focus onto the struggles of Andean communities. Ciro Alegría utilized his background in journalism and his deep immersion in the culture of native Peruvians to chronicle the systematic oppression of highland populations throughout his literary career.
Early Development and Political Engagement
Born on November 4, 1909, in the Sartimbamba District, Ciro Alegría Bazán pursued studies at the National University of Trujillo. During his formative years, he associated with the North Group and began his professional life as a journalist for El Norte. In 1930, he committed to the Aprista movement, an organization centered on social reform and the advancement of native Peruvian welfare. This political activity resulted in multiple periods of imprisonment, eventually leading to his exile in 1934.
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Alegría remained outside of Peru for over a decade, residing in Chile, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. During this time, he balanced academic teaching roles at the University of Puerto Rico with his creative writing and journalism. His bibliography, which includes works such as The Golden Serpent, The Hungry Dogs, Duelo de caballeros, La leyenda del nopal, and Las aventuras de Machu Picchu, consistently examined the human condition within the Peruvian highlands. Broad and Alien is the World achieved particular prominence, garnering global interest and undergoing numerous reprints in various languages.
Return to Peru and Political Service
Returning to his home country in 1960, Alegría aligned himself with the Acción Popular party led by Fernando Belaúnde Terry. In 1963, he secured a seat in the Chamber of Deputies of Peru, serving until his death. On February 17, 1967, he died in the Chaclacayo District at the age of 57. Following his passing, his widow, Dora Varona, curated and published a significant collection of his previously unreleased essays and journalistic reports.
Fast facts
- Born: November 4, 1909, Sartimbamba District
- Died: February 17, 1967, Chaclacayo District
- Education: National University of Trujillo
- Political Party: Acción Popular
- Notable Work: Broad and Alien is the World
- Burial Place: Presbítero Matias Maestro
- Occupations: writer, journalist, politician, teacher
Questions readers ask
What were Ciro Alegría's primary political roles?
He was a member of the Aprista movement in 1930 and served as a Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Peru between 1963 and 1967.
Where is he buried?
He is interred at the Presbítero Matias Maestro cemetery.
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