The Glass of Milk Introduction

The Glass of Milk Introduction

In 1927, Manuel Rojas published his first signifi- cant collection of short stories, Hombres del sur (Men of the South), which included his short story "El vaso de leche". It is one of Rojas' best known and most widely anthologized tales.

"El vaso de leche" ( "The Glass of Milk") is an intensely written short story that examines a brief moment in the life of a youth who is out of work and very hungry. The unnamed youth is refused work and refuses free food. He finally is overcome with a hunger stronger than his pride. He accepts some milk and cookies from the woman in the milk bar and experiences a powerful emotional release. She understands, and he leaves the cafe without paying.

Grafton Conliffe identifies Rojas as one of the premiere Chilean writers. He was innovative in character development, portraying hard-working, down-and-out people in a...
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