A Manual for Manuel | Techniques

A Manual for Manuel Techniques

The novel's structural division between historical reality and imaginative adventure is fragmented further by Cortazar's dual narrative technique.

One narrator, Andres, who comes closest to Cortazar's personal situation, presents the events from the perspective of a semi-outsider. He finds himself torn between two opposing alternatives: either to accept his comfortable bourgeois situation or to commit himself seriously to the socialist revolution. In contrast, the other narrator, known only as El que te dije (You know who), is a firmly committed revolutionary.

The final outcome of the group's attempt to free political prisoners in exchange for the kidnapped diplomat ends tragically. After a violent encounter with the French police, the group is captured. Although it is not certain, it appears that some might have been killed. The majority, however, are sent back to their countries to stand trial as political terrorists. From the above, it is clear...
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