Martin Fierro: A Character Analysis and Summary
The Return of Martin Fierro
Background
In the second part of The Return of Martin Fierro, the character Martin Fierro narrates another series of adventures on his journey, reflecting on his past (from the previous book). He eventually finds his children and learns of his wife’s death. A new character, Picardy, sings to the audience, sharing his life story in a distinctive style. In this second book, the children recount their experiences as orphans. After listening to the father’s advice, the narrator ends the story.
Characters
Main Character
Martin Fierro: He is the prototype of the gaucho, now a grown man. After being a sometimes violent gaucho, he repents of his past fights and shows compassion for others. The work concludes with a series of advice to his children, born from his experiences at the border, both as an outlaw and among the Indians.
Secondary Characters
The Eldest Son of Martin Fierro: He narrates the hardships he faced after becoming an orphan and homeless, including several years of imprisonment due to injustice. His life in prison left a lasting mark.
The Second Son of Martin Fierro: He had better luck after being separated from his family. An aunt adopted him and cared for him until her death. His life changed when a tutor took care of him, but he faced a difficult experience during his guardian’s agony and eventually returned to homelessness.
Picardy: This character appears when Martin Fierro meets his children. He sings the story of his life, adding a “rogue” element to the narrative.
El Moreno: A singer who engages in a round of songs and chats with Martin Fierro during the reunion with his children. He is a memorable character.
The Ida of Martin Fierro
Background
Martin Fierro, accompanied by his guitar, sings of the hardships in his life. Due to abuse and harassment by the authorities, he was forced to leave his land and family to flee to the border, where he began his sentences. Gauchos were often victims of Indian attacks. He manages to escape, but returns to find no home or family. He then decides to become an outlaw. After two fights, he kills a black gaucho and is persecuted by justice. Sergeant Cruz defends him, sharing his experiences with the arbitrariness of authority, and they flee together to escape their tragic circumstances.
Characters
Main Character
Martin Fierro: He is the prototype of the gaucho. He appears as a singer, an independent man, peaceful, courageous, knowledgeable about the land and its activities, and above all, free: “My glory is to live as free / As a bird in the sky / I do not nest in the ground, / Ande there is so much suffering ; / Y naides follow me / When I soar.” His solitary nature is the result of plain living, and the injustices he experiences transform him throughout the work.
Secondary Characters
Sergeant Cruz: Although his role isn’t entirely clear, he is presented as a loyal friend to Martin Fierro during their journey.
The Indians: They appear as a collective character and are portrayed by the author as wild and sometimes inhumane. Martin Fierro is taken prisoner and escapes from them.