Mexican Gothic By Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Ibrahim Saidajan
Mr Hay
ENG4UE-00
25 July 2023
Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: A Marxist Literary Analysis
"Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a haunting and captivating novel that explores the complexities of power, class struggle, and exploitation, seen through the lens of a Marxist literary theory. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Mexico, the novel unravels the story of Noemí Taboada, a young socialite who ventures to High Place, a decaying mansion in the Mexican countryside, to rescue her cousin, Catalina. As we delve into the narrative, we witness how the characters are entangled in a web of social hierarchies, reflecting the Marxist perspective of society's inherent class divisions. This essay aims to analyze
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This is shown when Francis, a member of the Doyle family, refers to the indigenous workers as "the help" (Moreno-Garcia, 2020, p. 40). By using this demeaning term, Francis reinforces the idea that these workers are nothing more than expendable labor, emphasizing the power dynamics between the upper class and the lower class. Another example of this is when Virgil Doyle, the patriarch, exploits the workers' fears by spreading rumors of a deadly disease in the area to discourage them from leaving. He exclaims, "It's all over now. You can't run away. The sickness is here, and it's going to get you" (Moreno-Garcia, 2020, p. 266). This tactic not only keeps the workers bound to High Place but also ensures their continued compliance and …show more content…
The indigenous workers at High Place are not only physically isolated but also culturally segregated, leading to a sense of disconnection from their own identity. This is demonstrated through the character of Marta, who tells Noemí, "We aren't allowed to speak Zapoteco" (Moreno-Garcia, 2020, p. 140). The denial of their native language further alienates them from their roots, making them feel like outsiders in their own land. Additionally, the novel portrays how the wealthy exploit the vulnerability of the working class, further exacerbating their alienation. When Noemí confronts the family about the horrible working conditions, Francis coldly replies, "We give them work, and we give them food. That's more than they'd get from anyone else" (Moreno-Garcia, 2020, p. 187). This statement underscores the unequal power dynamics that leave the workers feeling voiceless and
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