“El sueño de Rapiña”, by Carlos Reyles: criticism of modernity and temporal counterpoint

Abstract

This paper studies two convergent yet contrasting temporalities in “El sueño
de Rapiña” by Carlos Reyles. The first one, related to sensuality and hedonism, seeks a return to an ontological past in order to recover an existing unity between man and nature. The second one is based on the correspondence between a capitalist economy and time, which promoted an excessive faith in the future. The analysis also examines Reyles’ harsh criticism to a materialism originated by modern economic models with the resulting nostalgia of a lost humanism.