Dialogues to avert/to conjure death in Quercún, by Sergio Mansilla Torres: readings and prospecting

Abstract

Among the twenty books that Sergio Mansilla has published over more than four decades of literary work, Quercún (2019) emerges as one of his most compelling poetry collections, remarkable for its scope, complexity, and depth. This essay seeks, first and foremost, to examine the critical reception of the volume, bringing together discussions on themes such as the interplay between melancholy and food, the orphic tradition reframed through hybrid and local perspectives, and the intricate links between death, memory, and community. At the same time, this paper aims to suggest some additional avenues for inquiry prompted by Quercún. By shedding light on this Mansilla’s major poetic piece, the present text aspires to encourage greater critical engagement with the complete work of this distinguished Chilean poet, essayist, critic and scholar –and, ideally, to broaden his readership.