Plata Quemada” by Ricardo Piglia is a novel that combines elements of excitement and suspense, while also invoking a sense of sentimentality. The author’s use of a journalistic approach to storytelling enhances the narrative, offering a unique perspective that adds a clever touch to the book. Certainly ahead of it’s time and revolutionary back then as it touches themes of homosexuality. The best part, it was based on true events! Although at times a bit confusing, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Love & Loyalty
El Nene Brignone and el Gaucho Dorda, oh! how I was rooting for them. They truly share an special bond. Like Dr. Bunge mentioned: “They’re two but work like a unit”. Brignone is the only one that can understand Gaucho’s disordered mind with just looking at each other.
Brignone’s last moments, whispering into Gaucho’s ear, something that will remain a sacred secret between the two, followed up with a kiss from his partner that tells everything, is definitely my favorite scene. Their relationship challenges traditional norms and expectations, highlighting love’s power and the lengths to which people will go to protect and stay true to those they love, as well as rebelling against the oppressive societal norms that existed back then.
Materialism & Nihilism
The clever scene where our main characters burn the money and throw it out the window represents the ultimate act of defiance against the capitalist system and societal norms that value wealth above anything else.
The money, which initially is the purpose of their whole plan, becomes meaningless when they find themselves stuck and surrounded by the police. This act highlights the absurdity of valuing money over people and integrity.
The characters’ decision to burn the money rather than surrender it or let it be reclaimed by the corrupt system that has oppressed them works as a commentary on the emptiness of material wealth, combine that with the public’s reaction, viewing the burning of money as the worst imaginable act. It highlights the societal obsession with wealth and one’s possessions. This reaction exposes society’s moral standards, with the destruction of money being more horrible than the characters’ violence and betrayal. It portrays a group mindset that prioritizes material things and economic stability over individual lives and rights, highlighting the novel’s criticism of materialistic values.
“Este acto era peor que los crimenes que habian cometido, porque era un acto nihilista y un ejemplo de terrorismo puro.” (88)
(This act was worse than the crimes they had committed, because it was a nihilistic act and an example of pure terrorism.)
“Bad People” Deserve Empathy
Piglia humanizes the characters like El Nene and Gaucho by delving into their beginnings, as well as situating their decisions and actions within a larger social context. This approach helps readers to understand the protagonists beyond their roles in the heist and their following flight, portraying them as multifaceted people shaped by their experiences. Understanding where they come from, the difficulties they faced, and the events that led to their current situation allows readers to develop an emotional connection with them, overcoming any first judgments based on their criminal activities.
Discussion Question
Plata Quemada is a proof of the power of love and loyalty to overcome challenges, a criticism of society’s flaws, and a celebration of the human spirit’s persistent desire for freedom. It is a reminder of the many layers that define us and the extent to which individuals will go to create a place for themselves in a world that often seems set on their downfall.
- Did you empathize with the gang?
- If you did, what did you feel when we got little details about the officials that got killed by our main characters? Did it make you feel conflicted?
- What do you think happened to Malito? Which of the speculated endings for him is the most plausible?
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