Gilberto Molina Correa (Cañar, September 20, 1915 – Unknown) was an Ecuadorian poet, novelist, playwright, short story writer, essayist, and educator. His diverse body of work spanned multiple genres, including notable contributions such as the novel Sismos y abismos (1969), the short story collection Almas conturbadas (1962), and the play Censo sin consenso (1962). He also authored the poetry collection La inefable presencia (1966). He was an influential advocate for educational reform and a school director, serving as head of Escuela Municipal “Joaquín Donoso” in Vinces. Molina Correa left a lasting mark on both Ecuadorian literature and education.
Early Life and Education
Gilberto Molina Correa was born on September 20, 1915, in the town of Cañar, located in the province of the same name in Ecuador. His early life in this small Andean town set the foundation for what would become a highly productive career in education and literature. He was deeply committed to learning, particularly in the fields of pedagogy, literature, and Ecuadorian culture. His work was shaped by the educational and cultural climate of early 20th-century Ecuador.
Literary Career
Molina Correa had a prolific career as both an educator and writer, producing a wide range of works spanning various genres and topics. His literary output includes essays, short stories, novels, educational treatises, and plays, reflecting his deep engagement with the social, cultural, and political issues of his time.
Among his most notable works are Sismos y abismos (1969), a novel recognized as a significant contribution to Ecuadorian literature during the 1960s, and Almas conturbadas (1962), a collection of short stories that explored the human condition. He also authored educational books like Reforma educativa: rumbo y dinámica en el nivel primario (1968), co-written with Abdon Armas Andrade, which highlighted his commitment to educational reform in Ecuador. His contributions to Ecuadorian literature also included plays, such as Censo sin consenso (1963), and essays that focused on literary analysis, such as Enrique Gil Gilbert: notas para un ensayo (1974).
Contributions to Education
In addition to his literary endeavors, Molina Correa was a dedicated educator. He served as the director of Escuela Municipal “Joaquín Donoso” in Vinces, Ecuador. During his tenure, the school faced challenges, including the need to relocate, yet he managed to maintain its operations effectively. His leadership in education is further reflected in his writings on pedagogy and educational reform, including works such as La nueva escuela ecuatoriana (1967) and Las asociaciones de clase (1967). His dedication to improving primary education through progressive methods and reform efforts positioned him as a key figure in Ecuadorian educational circles.
Molina Correa was deeply influenced by his teacher, Julio Larrea, a pioneering educator in Ecuador. He admired Larrea for his intelligence, passion, and progressive educational ideas, which left a lasting impact on Molina Correa’s approach to teaching and writing.
Legacy and Recognition
Gilberto Molina Correa’s work left a lasting mark on Ecuadorian literature and education. His novel Sismos y abismos remains an important piece in the canon of Ecuadorian literature from the 1960s. His contributions to education, both as an educator and through his writings, have also cemented his legacy as a reformer and intellectual.
In recognition of his extensive work, Molina Correa’s books are still studied and digitized by academic institutions such as the University of California and the University of Texas, preserving his contributions for future generations. His role as both an author and educator illustrates his commitment to the intellectual and cultural development of Ecuador.
Selected Works
Novels
- Sismos y abismos (1969)
Short Story Collections
- Almas conturbadas (1962)
- La historia de Paquito se hizo un hombre: otros relatos (2005)
Plays
- Censo sin consenso (1962)
- Censo sin consenso (Operación Censo) (1963)
- Teatro (1962)
Essays and Educational Works
- Reforma educativa: rumbo y dinámica en el nivel primario (1968) – co-authored with Abdon Armas Andrade
- La nueva escuela ecuatoriana (1967)
- Las asociaciones de clase (1967)
- Ruta a la escuela (1966)
- Enrique Gil Gilbert: notas para un ensayo (1974)
- Historia de la literatura española (date unknown)
- 1,001 siglas: al cumplirse sesenta años de vida del autor, 25 de septiembre 1915-1975 (1975)
- Héroes de la comunidad mundial (1977)
Poetry
- Cantos ecuatorianos a Bolívar (1983)
- La inefable presencia (1966)
Other Works
- Sostenerse en la cumbre (2005)
- Miguel Angel León: poesía de los elementos y la raza (1965)
- Rielando en la antología de la provincia, la ciudad y su fiesta (1975)
References
- El Universo, “Hoy, un siglo del maestro y escritor Gilberto Molina Correa.” Retrieved on October 22, 2024. Click to view.
- ES Academic, “Gilberto Molina Correa.” Retrieved on October 22, 2024. Click to view.
- PDF Coffee, “El relato ecuatoriano.” Retrieved on October 22, 2024. Click to view.
- Julio Larrea Blogspot, “Julio Larrea, un hombre, un nombre y una obra en la educación mundial.” Retrieved on October 22, 2024. Click to view.
- Google Books, “inauthor:Gilberto Molina Correa.” Retrieved on October 22, 2024. Click to view.