A comparative approach about ‘La Conquista’ in the work of two mestizo authors: Garcilaso de La Vega and Ruy Díaz de Guzmán

Abstract

This paper analyses the representation of colonial domination, process commonly known as “The Conquest”, in the work of two writers belonging to the first half-breed generations of the early 17th century: Garcilaso de la Vega and Ruy Díaz de Guzmán. The selection is based on two fundamental criteria: on the one hand both declare themselves as “naturales” and reveal a strong sense of belonging regarding the cultural areas they describe; on the other hand, both attach themselves to opposite ethnic identities, thus maintaining a different relationship with the complex problems of mestizaje and miscegenation -while Garcilaso claims to be an Inca, Ruy Díaz de Guzmán introduces himself as a Spaniard. Therefore, the biographies of both authors are discussed in order to understand their life trajectories, ideologies and work from a comparative point of view.