History and fiction in cinco de mayo by Victoriano Salado Álvarez

Abstract

In this essay an analysis of two elements on the historic novel Cinco de Mayo (1903) by Victoriano Salado Alvarez: History and fiction is made. On Cinco de Mayo, the fictionalization through narrative, action, dialogues and descriptions are intended only to bolster and sustain the historic fact. In the novel we can find history and fiction interwoven with the presence of real characters linked with fictional ones. The historic record of the happenings on May 5, 1862, is brought to life by combining in the same space and time, real and fictional characters providing credibility to the feat on the hills of Loreto and Guadalupe. Besides, the importance of the novels of Victoriano Salado Alvarez, is that it foreshadows, precedes and opens the way for the rise of the Novel of the Mexican Revolution.