On the tragic feeling of suicide in humans and peoples

Abstract

The multiple references to the subject of suicide and the repeated presence of deaths by suicide in Miguel de Unamuno's work invite us to reflect on the causes of his interest in the subject, the way in which he approaches it and his purpose in doing so. This is a tragic topic that he addresses not only in relation to Spain but also to Portugal. From his knowledge and appreciation of the human, historical, religious and political reality of both countries and the contact with prominent figures who end up committing suicide, we reconstruct the Unamunian imaginary around suicide. Finally, and in light of the treatment of suicide in the media today, we evaluate whether Unamuno would fall within the so-called "Werther effect" or the "Papageno effect".