There are many fascinating stories in the collection of Contemporary Latin American Short Stories. Pat McNees, the editor of this book, has put together great short stories that catch many readers attention and interests. Two stories that caught my eye and that I believe have many themes in common, are Talpa and Yzur. These two stories have many ideas and thoughts, that both authors share.I recognized many similarities between these two stories concerning, success for their their loved one through hard work and suffering. For example, in the story Yzur written by Leopoldo Lugones, the narrator is conducting a study on a chimpanzee named Yzur, who he grew to love. He does everything he can to make Yzur talk, just like any human being. Therefore, he put many years into trying to teach Yzur to talk, believing someday he will. When Yzur finally had the strength to talk, the researcher was upset that he couldnt repeat what he said in english and beat him. Yzur got sick because of his depression and later died. The researcher had become successful by achieving his goal, to help Yzur talk, but abused it by killing him in the long run. In this case, the researcher was successful through his hard work, but didnt have enough proof that it was successful.In the story of Talpa, written by Juan Rulfo, the success of Natalias loved one, Tanilo, came by saving his soul. She and the narrator, Tanilos brother, had struggled to take their very sick relative to see the Virgin of Talpa, who at that time was performing miracles. Through their hard work of traveling for days, through the heat of the sun and the freezing nights, they had finally arrived at their destination. When arriving, Natalia and Tanilos brother felt a sigh of relief knowing that their loved one will be successful. By being with the Virgin of Talpa, Tanilos soul can be saved. But like Yzur this success has a downfall, death.This leads to another theme that is shared in both stori...
