Literatura en tiempos irremediables (sobre “Literatura + enfermedad = enfermedad” de Roberto Bolaño)

Abstract

In his essay “Literature + Illness = Illness,” Roberto Bolaño claims that literature, sex and travel can only lead to “oasis of horror”, because there are no alternatives to our evils. However, he adds, we must continue reading literature, having sex and travelling. This article examines and try to explain Bolaño’s statement. It also analyses how the horror is presented and represented in some passages of his works. Arguments by Adorno, Benjamin, Zizek, Celan and others will be considered in the discussion.