Augusto Monterroso

Summary

This video script is a lively and intellectual journey through various literary exercises, hosted in a fictional 'gymnasium.' The program brings together esteemed guests, including writers, philosophers, and intellectuals, to engage in discussions on words, definitions, and literature, with each segment exploring a different concept. From games involving flexible dictionaries and etymologies to rich conversations about famous literary works and figures like Horacio Quiroga and Augusto Monterroso, the episode combines humor, philosophy, and storytelling. The engaging dialogue sparks thought and creativity while showcasing the intersection of language, culture, and the human experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses the life and tragic events of Horacio Quiroga, a Latin American writer known for his works about the jungle and tragic relationships.
• 😀 The episode involves a playful and intellectual exercise where the guests define and interpret words and phrases like 'quimera' (chimera) and 'quinto' (fifth).
• 😀 The concept of 'quimera' (chimera) is explored, emphasizing its meaning as a mythical creature and a metaphor for unrealistic or impossible ideas.
• 😀 The guests discuss the philosophy of 'quietismo' (quietism), focusing on the notion that to connect with God, one must embrace inaction, a concept promoted by Miguel de Molinos in the 17th century.
• 😀 The term 'quintaesencia' (quintessence) is examined, reflecting the ancient belief in a fifth element beyond the classical four elements (earth, water, fire, air).
• 😀 The show features a reading recommendation from Augusto Monterroso, who suggests Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' as a masterpiece of satire.
• 😀 'No hay quinto malo' (There’s no bad fifth) is explained as a phrase from bullfighting, where the fifth bull is believed to be the best due to its positioning in the fight.
• 😀 The show discusses the expression 'qué mono' (how cute), linking it to a historical narrative about Cuauhtémoc and the Aztec emperor’s resistance against Spanish tortures.
• 😀 The phrase 'ser quinto' is explored, which refers to being innocent or naïve, especially in relation to the ‘Quinto’ term used in Mexican culture for purity.
• 😀 The final segment of the show features a humorous anecdote about Augusto Monterroso’s wit and cleverness, particularly his interactions with language and definitions in dictionaries.

Q & A

What was the focus of the initial segment in the transcript?

The initial segment discusses a variety of topics, including a tribute to Horacio Quiroga, an influential Latin American writer, highlighting the tragedies in his life and his contributions to the genre of short stories in Hispanic literature.

What is the significance of Augusto Monterroso in this script?

Augusto Monterroso is presented as a guest on the show, where his works and literary contributions are celebrated. He is referred to as a great master of the short story genre in Latin America, particularly his work 'La oveja negra y otros cuentos'.

What philosophical concept was explained by Germán Ortega during the program?

Germán Ortega explained the concept of 'quietism,' a philosophy and religious doctrine associated with the idea of remaining inactive or still to receive divine insight or enlightenment, as proposed by Miguel de Molinos in the 17th century.

What is 'quimera,' and how was it discussed?

'Quimera' is a term that was discussed in the context of a mythical creature with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a dragon's tail, which breathes fire. The term is also used figuratively to describe something that seems possible but is actually imaginary or illusory, such as an unrealistic promise of economic growth.

What does the term 'quintessential' mean, and how was it interpreted in the script?

The term 'quintaesencia' (quintessential) refers to the fifth element that ancient philosophers believed was part of the composition of the universe, in addition to the four classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water. The script humorously links this idea to various interpretations, including references to perfumed substances and an element revered by alchemists.

How did Francisco Segovia explain the concept of 'quiasmo' (chiasmus)?

Francisco Segovia explained 'quiasmo' as a rhetorical figure where two parallel clauses are juxtaposed, with the second clause reversing the syntactical order of the first. He provided an example of how this rhetorical device can be applied to create a mirrored sentence structure.

What was the humorous reference to the famous Mexican phrase 'qué mono!' in the context of the script?

The phrase 'qué mono!' was humorously explained as being linked to an anecdote about Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor, who, during his torture, supposedly made a remark about a 'map' that led to the discovery of a treasure. This phrase is then linked to a humorous and exaggerated interpretation of historical events.

What is the origin of the Mexican expression 'no hay quinto malo' (there's no bad fifth)?

'No hay quinto malo' is a popular Mexican expression originating from bullfighting culture, where the fifth bull in a corrida is considered to be the best one, often due to its placement in the fight sequence. The phrase implies that the fifth is always good, regardless of context.

What was the humorous anecdote shared about Augusto Monterroso?

A humorous anecdote shared about Augusto Monterroso involves him sending a telegram, and upon being asked for his name, he humorously spelled out 'Tito,' jokingly asking if it was spelled 'tito' or 'tinto.' This exemplified Monterroso's wit and his ability to make light of situations.

How does the script use the term 'quinto' in the context of innocence and purity?

In the script, 'quinto' is humorously explained as referring to innocence or purity, drawing from a historical reference where 'quinto' was used to describe a child who is innocent, unaware of sexuality. This is linked to the expression 'no hay quinto malo,' further illustrating the idea of purity and goodness associated with the fifth.