Literary Lion, Missing Name: Tackling That Tricky Crossword Clue
So, you’re staring down at the grid, a half-filled page mocking you with its incompleteness. The culprit? A clue that reads something like “Literature Nobelist Mario Vargas __.” The literary world suddenly feels vast and intimidating, a sea of names blurring into an unhelpful jumble. You know
Mario Vargas
, vaguely. You’ve probably heard the name mentioned in that one college literature class you barely passed. You
think
he won a Nobel prize… but that pesky blank is your Everest.
Don’t fret! We’ve all been there. Cracking these sorts of crossword clues often requires a blend of general knowledge, educated guessing, and a little bit of strategic thinking. This post isn’t going to give you the answer directly (where’s the fun in that?!), but it
will
equip you with the tools and strategies to conquer this literary puzzle and maybe even impress your friends with your newfound Vargas Llosa knowledge.
Let’s start with the basics:
Deciphering the Clue:
The clue explicitly tells us two things: the answer is likely the last name of a Nobel Prize winner in Literature, and that person is named Mario Vargas. This is a significant advantage. We’re not starting from scratch; we have a strong foundation to build upon.
The Length is Key:
The number of squares allotted for the answer is crucial. Count them carefully! This immediately eliminates countless possibilities. Is it a short surname, a long hyphenated one? Keep this in mind as you progress. A three-letter space screams different answers than a ten-letter space would.
Leveraging Existing Crossword Fills:
What letters do you already have filled in that intersect with this clue? This is your golden ticket! Work through the alphabet, plugging in each letter to see if it sparks any recognition. Does “V
a” ring any bells? “Va
s” might be the prompt you need.
A Trip Down Memory Lane (Or a Quick Google Search Strategy):
Think back to any authors you might remember from school. Do any fit the bill? If not, a targeted Google search might be in order. Instead of searching for “Mario Vargas Literature Nobelist,” try something more specific like “Mario Vargas last name” or “Mario Vargas Nobel Prize”. This will likely lead you directly to the information you need, allowing you to confirm if it matches the length and intersecting letters. Be aware of common misspellings and alternative spellings while you’re at it.
The Power of Inference:
Consider the other clues in the puzzle. Do they hint at a particular region, literary style, or historical period? Vargas Llosa is known for exploring specific themes and geographical settings in his work. Knowing these can provide clues, though they might be subtle.
Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away (and Come Back Later):
Sometimes, the best approach is to take a break. A fresh perspective can unlock hidden connections. Maybe another clue will spark the missing piece you need to complete this puzzle.
Remember, crosswords are a game of skill and deduction. Embrace the challenge, use the resources available to you, and enjoy the satisfying “aha!” moment when you finally crack the code. Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
LLOSA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Kathy Lowden / Ed. Patti Varol