Rescued from Oblivion

Writings by Central American Women in early 20th Century

Abstract

This article discusses Central American women´s preference for fiction writing in early 20^th Century. It aims to shed light on how the Avant-Garde, as a cultural renovation intertwined with literary experimentation, offered a space for women to enter the literary scene traditionally occupied by men. These changes occurred at a different pace in different countries and within different genres, such as poetry, essays, and short story writing. After briefly contextualizing the scene, the focus shifts to the way questioning women´s role and place in society should be considered as a feature of women´s entry into the “new art”. The literary contributions of Carmen Sobalvarro (Nicaragua, 1908–1947/8), Matilde Elena López (El Salvador, 1923–2010), Pilar Bolaños (El Salvador, 1923–1961) and Yolando Oreamuno (Costa Rica, 1916–1956), will serve as roadmaps to an enhanced understanding of the topic.