The Novel of the Tram and Other Urban Journeys: Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera's View of Mexico City

Abstract

During the 19th century, Mexico City reached new levels of modernization that had a great impact on its design and ways of living in the city. The opening of new streets and the implementation of a tranway system created new paths to walk and the apperance of new people in these territories. Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera joyfully incarnated and redefined the figure and experience of the flâneur, a wanderer of modern cities. This article proposes a new reading of urban perceptions of Mexico City, using La novela del tranvía and its author, Gutiérrez Nájera, as spokespeople.