On Heroes and Tombs

Style and Technique

Ernesto Sabato's "On Heroes and Tombs" is a complex and multilayered work in which the author masterfully employs various literary techniques and stylistic features. Sabato's style is characterized by deep psychological exploration of characters and philosophical contemplation of human nature and history. The language of the work is rich in metaphors and symbols, giving the text a special expressiveness and ambiguity. The structure of the novel is unusual and includes several plot lines that intertwine and complement each other. The main plot focuses on the love story and tragedy of Martin and Alejandra, but the work also includes inserted novellas, such as "The Report on the Blind," which add depth and expand the narrative context. Sabato uses techniques of stream of consciousness and internal monologue, allowing the reader to delve deeper into the experiences and thoughts of the characters. The author also actively employs retrospective inserts and flashbacks, which help reveal the backstory of the characters and the motives behind their actions. The themes addressed in the novel include questions of identity, historical memory, fate, and free will. Sabato creates an atmosphere of tension and anxiety, using contrasts and antinomies, which enhances the drama of the narrative. Overall, Ernesto Sabato's style and technique in "On Heroes and Tombs" demonstrate his mastery in creating complex, multilayered texts that leave a deep impression and provoke reflection.