Major Issues
Author Links
Essay Questions

Major Issues

It seems impossible to overstate Octavio Paz’ political, intellectual, and cultural contributions to 20th century Mexico. Paz’ literary criticism has been used as a vehicle to study his literary works. Paz is foremost a poet, and "My Life with the Wave" is often read and discussed as a "prose poem." Critics have explored the strains of nationalism that can be found in Paz’ writing, and have examined his use of Aztec mythology. Other reviewers focus on the cosmopolitan, universal features of his work, particularly his existential portrayal of human alienation and yearning for union. Paz’ work has been compared with that of Camus, and with that of other surrealist writers.

Author Links

Octavio Paz: 1914-1998
This bio-critical introduction highlights Paz’ political and literary accomplishments, and notes the many dichotomies in his work.

In Memory of Octavio Paz
This essay explores Paz’ crucial contributions to Mexico’s political and literary cultures.

In Search of the Present
Transcript of Paz’ acceptance speech upon receiving the 1990 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Octavio Paz, Mexico’s Literary Giant
Two articles about Paz from The New York Times. (Please note that you may need to register to the NY Times website before you can view this page.)

Octavio Paz: Biography
A short biography and list of works.