After failing out of primary school and educating himself mainly on the streets of Beunos Aires, Roberto Arlt (1900-1942) would grow to distinguish himself as an important Argentine short story writer, novelist, playwright, and journalist. Equally criticized for his rough use of language and praised for his innovative approach to Spanish, Arlt left his mark on Argentina. Despite dreams of becoming a successful inventor, and his entrance into journalism only to support his creative writing career financially, his Aquafuertes portenas newspaper column (later in book form) would become one of the classics of Argentine literature. In the words of the International Dictionary of Theatre, "Arlt incorporates ideas and techniques to create his own unique literary world of bizarre dream sequences and nightmarish characters, fueled by a strong social conscience."

Early Life

Arlt was born Roberto Godofredo Christophersen Arlt on April 2, 1900, to a German immigrant, glass-blower and postcard artist...