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Jose Santos ChocanoPeruvian poet, diplomat.
Date of Birth: 14.05.1875
Country:  Peru |
Content:
- Peruvian Poet and Diplomat
- Political Activism and Imprisonment
- Diplomatic Career
- Return to Peru and Arrest
- Later Life and Assassination
Peruvian Poet and Diplomat
Early Life and EducationCésar Vallejo Mendoza (1892-1938) was a Peruvian poet and diplomat. He was born in Santiago de Chuco, Peru, and began publishing his work in the press in 1894. Vallejo was also the great-grandson of Francisco Antonio de Zela, a herald of Peru's independence from the Spanish Empire. He studied at the National University of Trujillo but did not complete his degree.
Political Activism and Imprisonment
In 1894, Vallejo was arrested for subversive activities and imprisoned. He was released after the democratic revolution of 1895. This experience deeply influenced his work, which often explored themes of social justice and political oppression.
Diplomatic Career
From 1901, Vallejo served as a diplomat for the Peruvian government in Central America, Colombia, and Spain. He later lived in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Guatemala, where he held positions with various political leaders, including Pancho Villa and Manuel Estrada Cabrera.
Return to Peru and Arrest
In 1921, Vallejo returned to Peru and was officially declared poet laureate in 1922. However, in 1923, he was arrested for shooting and killing a young journalist who had criticized his association with dictators. He spent two years in prison before being released.
Later Life and Assassination
After his release, Vallejo moved to Santiago, Chile, where he lived in poverty. On April 15, 1938, Vallejo was stabbed to death on a tram by a deranged passenger. He was buried in the "Pastor Matías Maestro" cemetery in Lima, Peru.
