By Night in Chile Lesson Plan

How does the narrative involving Don Salvador and Ernst Jünger offer a critique of art's engagement with political authority?

The Don Salvador and Ernst Jünger story critiques art's role in confronting political power. Jünger, a real historical figure, gained fame as a German WWI hero. He criticized the Nazis and moved to Paris before World War II, supporting leftist artists like Pablo Picasso. Jünger becomes a patron to a Guatemalan artist (akin to Carlos Merida), admiring a surreal painting of post-apocalyptic Mexico City, inspired by Paris. This highlights artists' perceived helplessness against military and political might.

Jünger, a noted writer, was expelled...