Vida, muerte y parálisis en "Pedro Páramo" de Juan Rulfo y "The Dead" de James Joyce

Abstract

This article explores the similarities between the literary production of Juan Rulfo and James Joyce as regards their special treatment of the themes of life and death. Although this treatment constitutes a major concern throughout their writings, the article concentrates on a close comparative reading of "Pedro Páramo" and "The Dead". In these texts, both writers coincide in their attempt to (con)fuse life and death as two "states of being" creating an atmosphere where death suffocates the life of the inhabitants of Comala and Dublin, the cities to become, in turn two centres of paralysis.