Lencho the Farmer in César Vallejo's Poetry

Study Notes

Lencho the Farmer was first introduced by Peruvian poet César Vallejo in his book "Trilce", published in Berlin in 1922. The character is based on Vallejo's father Pedro Vallejo who was a small landowner in Peru. In the poem "Among Colors," Lencho is mentioned with other characters like Gardener, Shepherd, and others.

Lencho represents the typical Andean peasant, a face of exploitation, misery, and poverty in rural Peru during the early 20th century. He is a symbol of suffering humanity caught between natural forces and economic exploitation. His name has become synonymous with the struggle and hardship experienced by many farmers worldwide, particularly those living under harsh conditions.

In the poem, Lencho is described as working tirelessly from dawn until dusk, often toiling alone without assistance. Despite his labor, he is not outwardly successful and faces constant challenges, including the unpredictability of nature, which can lead to disaster. This highlights the difficult lives of farmers who work diligently yet may not reap substantial benefits due to various factors beyond their control.

The image of Lencho the Farmer continues to resonate today, serving as a reminder of the struggles faced by millions of farmers around the world. The character embodies the daily fight against oppression, hunger, and the relentless passage of time. In this sense, Lencho has transcended his literary origins to represent the universal experience of human existence, where individual efforts often go unrewarded.

Description

Explore the significance of Lencho the Farmer in the works of Peruvian poet César Vallejo, particularly in the poem 'Among Colors' from the book 'Trilce'. Understand how Lencho symbolizes the struggles of Andean peasants and resonates as a universal symbol of human perseverance amid hardship.