Mary Corylé

María Ramona Cordero y León (Cuenca, May 21, 1894 – Cuenca, May 7, 1976) was an Ecuadorian poet, novelist, journalist, and playwright best known by her pseudonym Mary Corylé. She gained prominence with her poetry collection Canta la vida (1933), which challenged conservative societal norms with its bold themes, including early examples of eroticism in Ecuadorian literature, as seen in her famous poem Bésame (1925). A defender of women’s rights and a prolific writer, Corylé published over 100 works across various genres and also contributed to journalism, education, and archival work, including founding the Municipal Library of Cuenca.

Early Life and Education

Mary Corylé, born María Ramona Cordero y León on May 21, 1894, in Cuenca, Ecuador, was the daughter of Benjamín Cordero and Ángeles León. Her family was influential in Ecuadorian society; her great-uncle was Luis Cordero Crespo, a former president of Ecuador, and her brother Rigoberto Cordero y León was also a notable poet. She grew up in her family home, located by the Tomebamba River, a site now considered part of Cuenca’s cultural heritage. Corylé received her early education from convent schools run by the Sisters of Charity and the Daughters of Santo Domingo, where she began writing at the young age of thirteen.

Literary Career

Corylé’s literary debut came with her poetry collection “Canta la vida” in 1933, which boldly challenged the conservative norms of her time, particularly for its erotic undertones and its break from traditional expectations of women’s poetry. Her writing is characterized by social protest, touching on themes of injustice, gender roles, and the struggles of the common people. Over her lifetime, she published more than 100 works, including 23 books, notable for their advocacy for women’s rights and commentary on national events.

A significant early piece in her career was her poem “Bésame” (1925; “Kiss Me”), considered one of the most erotic poems of the early 20th century in Ecuadorian literature. In this work, Corylé masterfully explores sensuality and intimacy through the metaphor of a kiss, blending passion with a deep emotional and spiritual connection. Bésame stands out not only for its bold expression of female desire but also for its intricate portrayal of love, tenderness, and reverence. The poem caused a stir in the conservative society of the time, further solidifying Corylé’s reputation as a groundbreaking voice in Ecuadorian literature.

Her literary style often drew comparisons to contemporaries like Alfonsina Storni, combining passion, reason, and a deep desire for personal and societal freedom. She is particularly recognized for her lyrical poetry and her ability to question the status quo. Works such as “Gleba” (1952) and “Mundo pequeño” (1948) contain strong social messages, reflecting her concern for societal inequalities. Her “Mio romancero” (1945) and “Romancero de la Bolívar” (1961) showcased her mastery in adapting the Spanish ballad form, gaining critical acclaim.

In addition to her poetry and prose, Corylé was also a playwright, further showcasing her versatility as a writer. She crafted plays that, like her other works, often reflected her strong social and feminist ideals. This contribution added to her influence in Ecuador’s literary and cultural scene.

Journalism and Teaching

In addition to her literary career, Mary Corylé was a dedicated journalist and educator. She worked for El Mercurio, one of Cuenca’s most prominent newspapers, and contributed regularly to other publications. She also served as the Director of the National Historical Archive and founded the Municipal Library of Cuenca. As a teacher, she specialized in Ecuadorian and children’s literature, nurturing future generations of writers and thinkers.

Personal Life

Corylé’s personal life was as unconventional as her poetry. She rejected traditional marriage norms, choosing instead to focus on her intellectual and literary pursuits. Her independence, relationships with poets and musicians, and progressive views on women’s rights often put her at odds with the societal expectations of her era.

Legacy and Death

Corylé passed away on May 7, 1976, in her hometown of Cuenca. She left a lasting legacy not only through her writings but also through her contributions to the cultural and educational institutions of Ecuador. Her works continue to be studied for their revolutionary approach to literature and social critique. She was laid to rest in the Patrimonial Cemetery of Cuenca, and her archives were donated to the Remigio Crespo Museum in accordance with her wishes.

Recognitions and Accolades

Throughout her life, Corylé received numerous accolades and recognitions for her literary and journalistic contributions. She was a member of the Liga Internacional de Mujeres Ibérica e Hispanoamericana and represented Ecuador in various international forums as a leading literary figure. Her works were celebrated across Latin America, and she remains one of Ecuador’s most respected poets and social commentators.

Selected Works

• Canta la vida (1933)
• Mundo pequeño (1948)
• Gleba (1952)
• Nuesa Cuenca de los Andes (1957)
• Dotora sancta Teresa (1962)
• Mio romancero (1945)
• Romance del amor cañari (1974)
• Romancero de Bolívar (1961)
• Romancero de la florecica (1946)
• Romances fechos laureles (1952)
• Marietta de Veintemilla (1977)
• Aguafuertes (1954)
• El cóndor del Aconcagua (1964)
• Cénit en mi cumbre (1968)

References

• Wikipedia, “Mary Corylé.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
• Enciclopedia del Ecuador, “Cordero y León María Ramona (Mary Corilé).” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
• Wikipedia (English), “Mary Corylé.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
• Literatura Ecuatoriana, “Mary Corylé.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
• Rodolfo Pérez Pimentel, “Cordero y León Ramona.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.

This post was updated on October 17, 2024.