Mexican visions of Hispanic American identity: José Vasconcelos, Alfonso Reyes, Octavio Paz and Carlos Fuentes

Abstract

Our research on Mexican visions of the eternal theme of Hispanic American identity is based on work and thoughts of four great Mexican writers, erudites and visionaries: José Vasconcelos (1882-1959), Alfonso Reyes (1889-1959), Octavio Paz (1914-1998) and Carlos Fuentes (1928-2012). Their respective concepts of Mexican identity have much in common, directly or indirectly, and in this paper we will present some lines of their interlacement - biographical, literary, diplomatic and friendly. Considering the essence of their thought we have tried to emphasize the attitudes that we consider significant for their work and for this topic. The bonds we have recognized might offer a new point of view towards these four writers, generalized and specific at the same time, as well as their idea of a Mexican, a Hispanic American, an indigenous and a mestizo.