Representaciones sobre el Clima en la Literatura. Colombia en el siglo XIX

Abstract

In the artticle I show the representations that were bult about the climate in Colombia in 19th century. The representations could be “colombian climates” where the dichotomy between unhealthy climate – beneficial climate can be observed, in addition to “eternal spring” because the climate of the mountainous áreas was similar to that of the climate of mid-latitudes. It has been stated that the representations about the climate in Colombia indicated that the elevated áreas above sea level had healthy climates while the low areas had unhealthy climates where the civilized “white people” could not live. However, I show how dominant representations of the climate were challenged by authors who believed that despite the unhealthy climate, White people were able to adapt and overcome it to promote civilization and progress. It also shows how the image of “eternal spring” was not only promoted by foreigners, but also by colombians. The article uses as sources the literature, both travel and customs, that was produced by colombians and foreigners in the 19th century.