Cervantes-Hoffmann: dos visiones complementarias del "Perro Berganza"

Abstract

In this study first of all we proceed to place in their time and historical context the works that we analyze here. As can be inferred from the title, the adventures and even the misfortunes of the dog Berganza have a start exposed by Cervantes and a follow-up described by Hoffmann. These are two complementary visions. Some aspects that remain open in the Cervantes' story are made explicit, clarified and completed in Hoffmann's story. We learn thus that 200 years have passed and that Berganza is in Germany and recalls passages of his former life. How he succeeds in running away from the woman Cañizares and how every year he feels human and then ceases to be so. In the Hoffmann's story Berganza succeeds not only in speaking but also in weeping, falling in love with a human and being jealous and, in order to defend her, having to flee.