Maria Graham: El Almendral, Deceitful Urban Sociability

Abstract

Independence, strength, energy, and determination characterize Maria Dundas Callcott Graham, who travels to Chile from England in the company of her spouse Thomas Graham, who dies during the voyage on the high seas. She arrives at the port of Valparaíso on April 28, 1822 and remains in Chile for one year in mourning. In her Journal of a Residence in Chile During the Year 1822, she notates her impressions and observations concerning the port of Valparaíso and the city of Santiago. Her observations give us an idea about her preferences and how behind the Chilean cities were compared to Europe. This work principally focuses on social and urban matters, and explores the following questions: At what point in her narrative and why does Graham discuss urban matters respecting Valparaiso and Santiago? What urban aspects cause the traveler Graham to pause and reflect, and how did she put these aspects in her writing? What relationship does she establish with these mentioned urban spaces? At what moment in her writing does Graham feel disappointed and notice the fraud and deception engaged in by the Chilean society of the time? What is “lo urbano” in Graham’s Journal… How does the difference and otherness that Graham observes, lives, and recognizes in Valparaiso and Santiago, arrive at El Almendral?