Speaking of Race in Don Álvaro

Abstract

"Speaking of Race in Don Álvaro" studies how the Duque de Rivas's 1835 play discursively constructs visual race as a concept of individual identity out of an application of zoological principles of organization onto human beings. The play educates its audience in the elements of modern nationalistic race while also demonstrating the destructive power of race. By speaking of race, the Romantic play celebrates the promise of modernity while representing the tragic consequences of excluding "raced" men from the rewards of political liberty.