Abstract
In the works of José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi, also known as El Pensador Mexicano, assumes a paternalistic attitude towards his readers. This attitude is especially evident in his works of fiction. In this thesis I will be analyzing patriarchy in "El Periquillo Sarniento" and "La Quijotita y su prima." Through Sigmund Freud's theories on the origin of culture, which he develops in his Essay “The Return of Totemism in Childhood”, part of his book Totem and Taboo, I will elaborate an allegorical interpretation around the Mexican independence movement. In this allegorical reading Spain represents the almighty father, while the American colonies represent the children who rebel against their father to usurp their place. The paternalistic attitude of Fernández de Lizardi as well as the constant contradictions that appear in these works make it possible for El Pensador Mexicano to represent both father Spain and one of the rebel sons who wish to replace the father and impose their own law.