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unit 4
4. Extension to Literature Octavio Paz
Octavio Paz was born in Mexico City in 1914. Paz is considered mainly a poet, but was also a writer and a diplomat.
His father Octavio Paz Solorzano was a supporter of the Mexican Revolution. He was a close friend to Emiliano Zapata.
Octavio’s grandfather, who was also a writer, had an extensive library; this gave the author the opportunity to enjoy books at a very young age.
In his youth, Paz spent time in the United States and Spain. His experiences in both countries were a great influence in his writing.
Paz went to school at the National University of Mexico in law and literature. He published his first poems at the young age of 19.
In 1962, he became Mexico's ambassador in India; this means you go to another country representing yours. This was an important event in the writer’s life, but he resigned six years later because he did not agree with some decisions the government was making.
In 1981, he received the “Cervantes,” a very important award given to Spanish speaking writers.
The poet was always involved in Mexico’s social movements, politics, and art.
In 1990, he received the Nobel Prize for literature; this is the highest honor for all writers. He is considered one of Mexico’s greatest writers.
Octavio Paz died in Mexico City in 1998.
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