Alberto Fuguet’s Sobredosis: Chilean Youth and 90s Culture
Abstract: Sobredosis (Overdose)
Sobredosis (Overdose), a collection of stories by Alberto Fuguet published in 1990, is a seminal work that awakened Chilean literature from a deep sleep. It challenged more than one circumspect critic with its themes: the excess of marijuana and the scribbles reflecting the youth of neoliberal Chile in the late 1980s.
The collection features five powerful stories reflecting the indifference of Chilean adolescents toward the military government of the day. Simultaneously, it offers a unique critique of emerging consumerism, economic problems, and the intense desire for fun without repression.
Characters in Sobredosis
1. Wandering Through the Dark Side
- Macana:
- The main character, a 13-year-old boy who has just killed his enemy, Yoko.
- Yoko:
- A secondary character and Macana’s enemy.
- Security Guards:
- Incidental characters who try to stop Macana when he attempts to jump from the parking lot.
2. Love on Wheels
- Margara:
- The main character, driving the car, who displays a strong temper when challenged by other young people.
- Sandra:
- A supporting character and friend of Margara.
- Young Rebels:
- Incidental characters who attempt to force Margara’s car off the road.
3. The Living Dead
- Drago:
- The main character, a central young alcoholic determined to attend The Living Dead concert.
- Rabbit:
- A supporting character who helps Drago get to the concert.
- Polo:
- A supporting character and friend of Drago.
- Pipe:
- A supporting character and friend of Drago, Rabbit, and Polo. He also attends the concert, described as shy and somewhat of a junkie.
- Vaca, Rocky, Bambam, Mice, Tivi, Jaguar, Sara, and Nany:
- Incidental characters, friends of Drago and Pipe.
4. Peeling Rocío
- Rocío Patiño:
- The main character and protagonist of the story, which is told by a voiceover narrator.
- Juan Luis:
- A secondary character, Rocío’s reserved boyfriend.
- Horst and Ismael:
- Incidental characters and friends of Rocío. Horst is the narrator of the story. Ismael later becomes Rocío’s husband after she becomes a communist martyr.
Setting and Psychological Atmosphere
The stories in Sobredosis capture the specific physical and psychological landscapes of late 1980s Santiago, often focusing on consumer spaces and the internal turmoil of the youth.
Wandering Through the Dark Side
The action takes place in an Apoquindo mall in Santiago. Macana, having killed his enemy Yoko, is overwhelmed by guilt. He climbs to the top of the parking lot, intending to jump and die, believing this is the only way to be released from the burdens of his short life.
Love on Wheels
Set on a Tuesday night. Two friends meet at an Apoquindo restaurant, looking for attractive men. While driving on Apoquindo Avenue, a black car full of men begins to chase and harass them, making obscene gestures.
The Living Dead
A group of young people gathers to attend a concert by the rock band The Living Dead. They fear being arrested for violating the nightly curfew. The atmosphere is defined by the desire for uninhibited fun, fueled by alcohol and drugs, away from parental interference.
Peeling Rocío
Two friends, one of whom is the narrator, sit at a pub table discussing Rocío Patiño. The narrator believes Rocío betrayed him/her with their best friend.
No One Out There
Set in a U.S. airport. The narrator protagonist loses track of his friend Michael. In a desperate attempt to find him, the narrator is shocked to discover his friend’s death.