Autobiographical Novel and Metafiction: Usages and Manners of Writing in Teresa de la Parra’s Work

Abstract

This article examines the reasons why Ifigenia and Las memorias de Mamá Blanca by Teresa de la Parra must be considered autobiographical novels. The essay reflects upon the peculiar relationship between autobiographical novel and writing practices emphasizing the strong metaliterary component in De la Parra’s work. The final section is concerned with the role that textual materials and writing and reading practices have in both novels in order to argue that their literary treatment reflects the role of submission and subversion adopted by female figures in the work of the Venezuelan writer.

Keywords

• Teresa de la Parra
• Ifigenia
• Autobiographical novel
• Metaliterature
• Venezuelan literature