Mafalda.

A childlike universe in the midst of masculinity

Abstract

This article traces Mafalda's journey from its first appearance, in 1964, to its final one in 1973. The analysis locates the importance of Mafalda in Argentine youth literature from its origins to the present time, insisting on its validity and modernity. It pays special attention to the gender relationship that Mafalda establishes with adults (both men and women, but with special emphasis on male attitudes) and with children. This piece also evokes the collection of characters created by Quino in the face of this problem, characterized by the presence of typical figures in Argentine society in the 1960s and 1970s, with regard to their behaviors and mode/manner of speech.