Distillation and Diaspora of the Transformative Force of Doña Felipa: Women's Power in Jose María Arguedas’ 1958 novel Deep Rivers

Abstract

This paper explores how the character Doña Felipa in the 1958 novel Deep Rivers by José María Arguedas symbolized the power of independent mestiza women (cholitas) as a transformative force in society, a force that was simultaneously distilled into and transmitted by the mestiza character of Doña Felipa. This feminine force was likened to a force of nature. It connected with the powerful Pachachaca River, and even the lifegiving power of the sun. As a distillation of this force, Doña Felipa represented all mestiza women of the Peruvian sierra, especially cholitas in the chicha  cornbeer industry. The diaspora of this force inspired others (including men) to take action for justice and the public good.