Proem Calling Card

Classical and Mexican Allusions

Octavio Paz was a very well educated man, and he let his writing show it off. He uses big words and makes references to Greek philosophy, like Plato and Epicurus. 

However, as a Mexican intellectual, he was also committed to his nation's history and culture. So bringing in figures from the pre-Hispanic (that's before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors) past is a classic Paz move.