Meaning: Manuel Puig, an Argentine author best known for his works such as "The Buenos Aires Affair" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman," made the statement "I only understand realism." This quote reflects Puig's literary philosophy and approach to storytelling, shedding light on his preference for portraying the world in a realistic and authentic manner.

Puig's emphasis on realism suggests a commitment to representing life as it is, with a focus on the everyday experiences, emotions, and struggles of ordinary people. In literature, realism refers to the portrayal of life, people, and events in a manner that reflects the complexities and nuances of the human condition. Realist authors strive to depict the world as it is, often delving into the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shape individuals and communities.

For Puig, the pursuit of realism may have been driven by a desire to connect with readers on a deeply relatable level. By grounding his narratives in the familiar and the plausible, he sought to create stories that resonated with the lived experiences of his audience. Realism allows for a more profound exploration of human relationships, societal issues, and personal dilemmas, offering a mirror through which readers can confront and contemplate their own realities.

In the context of Puig's literary works, his commitment to realism can be observed in the detailed characterizations, vivid settings, and authentic dialogues that populate his narratives. Whether exploring the complexities of interpersonal relationships or delving into the struggles of marginalized individuals, Puig's writing often reflects a keen observation of human behavior and a deep empathy for his characters.

Furthermore, Puig's statement may also be interpreted as a rejection of more fantastical or speculative modes of storytelling. While genres such as magical realism or surrealism embrace elements of the supernatural, the uncanny, or the extraordinary, Puig's allegiance to realism suggests a preference for narratives rooted in the tangible and the plausible. By eschewing the fantastical, Puig may have sought to anchor his narratives in the immediacy of human experience, striving to capture the essence of everyday life with all its joys, sorrows, and complexities.

In the broader literary context, Puig's stance on realism aligns with a tradition of writers who have grappled with the complexities of representing reality in their works. From the 19th-century realist novels of authors like Gustave Flaubert and Leo Tolstoy to the modernist explorations of everyday life by Virginia Woolf and James Joyce, realism has served as a foundational approach to storytelling that continues to hold relevance in contemporary literature.

Puig's dedication to realism invites readers to engage with narratives that mirror their own experiences and confront the multifaceted nature of human existence. By adhering to the principles of realism, Puig crafted stories that resonate with authenticity, capturing the essence of the human condition in all its intricacies and contradictions.

In conclusion, Manuel Puig's assertion, "I only understand realism," encapsulates his commitment to portraying life in its unadorned and authentic form. His dedication to realism underscores a desire to connect with readers through narratives that reflect the complexities of human existence and the richness of everyday experiences. Through his works, Puig exemplified the power of realism as a literary approach that invites readers to engage with stories that mirror their own realities and offer profound insights into the human condition.