Hernán Díaz Arrieta facts for kids
Hernán Díaz Arrieta (1891–1984), known by his pen name, Alone, was a famous Chilean writer and film critic. He won the important Chilean National Prize for Literature in 1959.
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Who Was Alone?
Hernán Díaz Arrieta was born on May 11, 1891, in a town called Buin, which is near Santiago, Chile. He tried different schools, but he didn't finish a long formal education.
His Career and Writing Beginnings
Alone worked for 25 years in the Ministry of Justice, eventually leading the Civil Registry. Even without much formal training, he started his writing career early. In 1913, he published his first stories using the name "Alone."
He wrote only one novel in 1915. After that, he focused on being a literary critic. For over sixty years, Alone wrote for many newspapers and magazines. His most famous column was Crónica Literaria, which appeared in La Nación and later in El Mercurio.
Alone's Writing Style and Influence
Alone was known for his clear and unique writing style. Many people consider him one of the greatest Chilean prose writers of the mid-20th century. He actively helped promote the work of other writers, especially María Luisa Bombal and the poet Gabriela Mistral.
He was a strong Catholic and supported right-wing politics. Even though he disagreed with Communism, he greatly admired the poet Pablo Neruda, who was a well-known member of the Communist Party of Chile. Alone supported the political movement that led to the overthrow of Chile's leftist President, Salvador Allende, in 1973.
Later Life and Legacy
Alone lived his entire life in the same house. He got it with a mortgage when he started his career in the Civil Service. He became nearly blind and could not speak in his later years. Alone passed away on January 24, 1984, at the age of 92.
Notable Works
- Historia Personal de la Literatura Chilena (1954)
- Aprender a escribir (1956)
- Leer y escribir (1962)
- Preterito, Imperfecto (1976)
