Ollantay Play: Characters and Plot

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Questions and Answers

Considering the intricate socio-political hierarchy of the Inca Empire as depicted in 'Ollantay', what nuanced justification might PachacĂștec employ to rationalize the denial of Ollantay's petition for Cusi Coyllur's hand, beyond the overt prohibition against non-Inca lineage marriages?

  • The preservation of divine lineage purity, ensuring the Sapa Inca's semi-divine status remains untainted by common bloodlines, mitigating potential succession crises.
  • The adherence to ancient prophecies foretelling the downfall of the Inca Empire should a princess marry outside the Inca lineage, invoking a mandate of cosmic preservation.
  • The enforcement of strict social stratification as a means of maintaining order and preventing challenges to the established hierarchy, crucial for the empire's stability and expansion. (correct)
  • The strategic consolidation of power through arranged marriages within the Inca nobility, forging alliances and preventing the fragmentation of imperial control via destabilizing unions.

In the context of 'Ollantay', what strategic calculus might underpin TĂșpac Yupanqui's seemingly magnanimous decision to pardon Ollantay and his rebels, considering the inherent implications for imperial authority and long-term stability within the Inca state?

  • A genuine commitment to restorative justice, reflecting a philosophical shift towards reconciliation and forgiveness as a means of fostering unity and harmony within the empire.
  • A calculated maneuver to undermine the authority of his predecessor, diminishing PachacĂștec's legacy by reversing key decisions and portraying himself as more compassionate and enlightened.
  • A response to diplomatic pressure from neighboring kingdoms, seeking to establish peaceful relations and defuse potential conflicts by demonstrating leniency and goodwill.
  • A pragmatic assessment of Ollantay's military prowess and popular support, recognizing the potential for ongoing rebellion and opting for co-option to consolidate power swiftly and decisively. (correct)

Given the nuanced socio-cultural context of the Acllahuasi within the Inca Empire, what specific ideological challenge might Cusi Coyllur's imprisonment there represent, beyond the obvious restrictions on her personal freedom and marital choices?

  • The desecration of a sacred space, as the Acllahuasi was intended for women of pure Inca lineage dedicated to religious service, thereby undermining its spiritual integrity.
  • The implicit critique of Inca social stratification, challenging the notion that lineage alone should determine an individual's destiny and highlighting the inherent injustices of the caste system.
  • The undermining of the Acllahuasi's economic function, as its primary purpose was to produce textiles and other goods for the state, and Cusi Coyllur's presence disrupts this productive capacity.
  • The symbolic subjugation of female agency and autonomy, reinforcing the patriarchal structures of Inca society and the subordination of women to the collective will of the state. (correct)

Considering the multifaceted roles of Rumiñahui within the power dynamics of the Inca Empire as portrayed in 'Ollantay', what deeper psychological motivation might underlie his betrayal of Ollantay, beyond mere obedience to TĂșpac Yupanqui?

<p>A deep-seated resentment towards Ollantay's meteoric rise from common origins to noble status, fueling a desire to undermine his position and restore the natural order of Inca hierarchy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Evaluating the dramatic structure of 'Ollantay' within the broader context of Quechua theatrical traditions, what critical distinction sets it apart from earlier indigenous dramatic forms, thereby contributing to its enduring literary significance?

<p>The explicit exploration of romantic love and social conflict, themes that were previously absent or marginalized in earlier ritualistic dramas focused on agricultural cycles and mythological narratives. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the multifaceted interpretations of 'Ollantay''s authorship, how might the unresolved debate surrounding its origins fundamentally reshape our understanding of its literary and historical significance within the context of post-colonial Peruvian identity?

<p>Acknowledging a mixed or collaborative authorship would highlight the complex interplay between indigenous and colonial influences, reflecting the hybridity of Peruvian culture and the ongoing negotiation of identity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In assessing the role of Ima Sumac in resolving the central conflicts of 'Ollantay', what symbolic weight should be assigned to her act of revealing Cusi Coyllur's plight to TĂșpac Yupanqui, considering her position as a bridge between the rebellious and ruling factions?

<p>It symbolizes the potential for intergenerational reconciliation and healing, as Ima Sumac embodies the hope for a future where past grievances can be addressed and justice can be achieved. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Analyzing the sociopolitical ramifications of Ollantay's initial defiance against PachacĂștec, what latent threat did his establishment in Ollantaytambo pose to the Inca Empire's long-term imperial objectives, beyond mere territorial secession?

<p>The erosion of centralized authority and the potential for other subjugated regions to emulate Ollantay's example, triggering widespread rebellions and fragmenting the empire's territorial integrity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the cultural significance of prophecies within the Inca worldview, what strategic advantage might PachacĂștec have sought to gain by invoking Ollantay's humble origins when rejecting his petition, beyond merely asserting social hierarchy?

<p>To delegitimize Ollantay's claim to legitimacy, casting doubt on his fitness to rule and undermining his popular support by questioning his lineage and divine mandate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In light of the debate surrounding the influence of Spanish theatrical conventions on 'Ollantay', what specific textual evidence might definitively refute claims of purely indigenous origin, thereby establishing a clear case for colonial or hybrid authorship?

<p>The consistent adherence to Aristotelian dramatic unities of time, place, and action, reflecting a conscious emulation of classical European dramatic principles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Who is Ollantay?

A warrior elevated to nobility for his service.

Who is Cusi Coyllur?

Inca PachacĂștec's daughter, in love with Ollantay.

Who is Inca PachacĂștec?

Ruler of the Inca empire, known as 'the restorer of the world'.

Who is Rumiñahui?

Inca's general, tasked with fighting Ollantay.

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Who is TĂșpac Yupanqui?

PachacĂștec's son, who succeeds him as Inca.

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What is Acllahuasi?

House where women lived, Cusi Coyllur was imprisoned here.

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Who is Ima Sumac?

Ollantay's daughter, born in the Acllahuasi.

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What is Ollantaytambo?

Ollantay establishes a stronghold to resists the Inca's forces.

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What strategy did Rumiñahui use to capture Ollantay?

The deceptive act of gaining someone's trust before betraying them.

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What does TĂșpac Yupanqui do with Ollantay?

Pardons the rebels and grants them positions.

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Study Notes

Main Characters and Their Roles

  • Ollantay is a warrior of common origin, elevated to nobility for his service to the Inca empire
  • Cusi Coylur (also known as Luzero Alegre or Estrella) is Inca PachacĂștec's daughter, and she falls in love with Ollantay
  • Inca PachacĂștec is the ruler of the Inca empire, known as "the restorer of the world"
  • Rumiñahui (Stone Eye) is Inca's general
  • TĂșpac Yupanqui is PachacĂștec's son, who succeeds him as Inca

Plot Summary

  • Ollantay and Cusi Coyllur's relationship is forbidden because Inca law prohibits a princess from marrying someone outside the Inca lineage
  • Despite the prohibition, Ollantay and Cusi Coyllur secretly unite, a secret safeguarded by the queen mother, Colla or Anahuarqui
  • Ollantay seeks Inca PachacĂștec's approval to formalize his union with Cusi Coyllur, reminding the Inca of his loyal service and valor in battle
  • PachacĂștec is angered by Ollantay’s boldness, reminding him of his humble origins, and expels him
  • Cusi Coyllur is imprisoned in the Acllahuasi (House of the Chosen Women), where she gives birth to Ima Sumac, Ollantay's daughter
  • Believing Cusi Coyllur is dead, Ollantay leaves Cusco with his confidant Piqui Chaqui, and threatens to return and destroy the city
  • Ollantay establishes himself in Ollantaytambo, becoming independent and preparing to resist the Inca's forces
  • Inca PachacĂștec commands General Rumiñahui to fight Ollantay, but Ollantay's general, Orco Huaranca, ambushes and defeats Rumiñahui

Succession and Continued Conflict

  • After ten years, Inca PachacĂștec dies without defeating Ollantay, and his son TĂșpac Yupanqui succeeds him
  • Cusi Coyllur is imprisoned, supported by Pitusa, one of the Virgins of the Sun, while opposed by Mama Caca, the governess of the Acllahuasi
  • Ima Sumac, raised by Pitusa, discovers her mother's identity and resolves to seek clemency from the new Inca

Resolution Through Strategy and Forgiveness

  • TĂșpac Yupanqui sends Rumiñahui to capture Ollantay, who uses deception to gain Ollantay's trust before betraying him
  • Ollantay and his officers are captured and brought before TĂșpac Yupanqui, where his advisors suggest punishments
  • TĂșpac Yupanqui pardons the rebels and grants them higher positions, recognizing Ollantay's heroic status
  • Ollantay is named a high ranking general
  • Ollantay is reunited with Cusi Coyllur through Ima Sumac's plea to the Inca, who recognizes and frees his sister

Literary Analysis and Context

  • Ollantay' is a Quechua drama published in 1857, with the oldest manuscript copy from 1770 by Antonio ValdĂ©s
  • The play's authorship is debated, with theories suggesting Spanish, Inca, or mixed origins
  • It is considered one of the most important works of Peruvian literature, addressing honor and love across social classes
  • The drama unfolds in three acts, referencing Inca culture and organization, and is known for its harmonious, simple, and vigorous style
  • The work has historical, literary, and cultural value, appealing to readers across eras due to its themes of forbidden love and social class

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