Research Symposium

BIO

I am Marcel, a first-generation college student from Cape Coral, Florida. Currently, I am in my first-year at Florida State University and honored to participate Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.

At Florida State, I am pursuing dual degrees in History and Philosophy. Within history, my intellectual interests are centered around the French Revolution and Modern Latin America. Within philosophy, I am especially curious about epistemology.

Outside of the classroom, I am passionate about student leadership, community service, and spending time in nature.

After my time at Florida State, I aspire to pursue a career in law.

Viva Pasos Largos: The Story of Spain's Last Bandit

Abstract

What was the story of Spain’s last bandit? The story of Juan Mingolla Gallardo, known as Pasos Largos, is a complex mix of sources, whether rumors, legends, reports or interviews. Initially, newspaper reports published during Pasos Largos’ life were analyzed. These were compared to secondary biographies and narratives published posthumously. These reviews were condensed into a timeline of Pasos Largos’ life. Pasos Largos’ exploits occurred within a crucial era of transition for Spanish society. The Spanish media and public, aware of this transition, felt both fascination and nostalgia for Pasos Largos. This led to a high degree of romanticization and exaggeration in most narratives concerning Pasos Largos. The results reveal much about how criminals are romanticized and converted into legendary figures. It also demonstrates the central role journalistic media coverage takes in this process.

Keywords: History, Spain, Criminology