Book Description

In this work I have proposed to study, mainly, that writer who was the first in point of time, and second to none in her poetic worth: Delmira Agustini. In order to place her within the proper historical perspective, I have felt it pertinent and necessary to give, as introduction, some idea of the work of the women poets who preceded her, and also of her influence on modern feminine literature. In doing the latter, I have seen that rather than to determine the influence itself, it was important to establish her relation to the other great women poets who appeared immediately afterwards with distinct and different personalities. Delmira, undoubtedly, had an influence upon them all, setting the example as well as giving the initial impulse. But they cannot, by any manner of means, be considered merely her followers or imitators. The other three major poetesses mentioned were chosen because they have an indubitable originality that makes them differ from Delmira Agustini and from each other. With the object of becoming better acquainted with Delmira, therefore, I have deemed it important to characterize the others sufficiently to show not only their similarities to the Uruguayan poetess, but also the differences between them. Consequently, I have devoted a study to each, not as extensive as they would merit were they to be treated singly, but ample and detailed enough to give an idea of their worth and particular significance. - Introduction.