Roberto Arlt was an influential Argentine novelist, playwright, and journalist renowned for his contribution to Argentine literature. Born on April 26, 1900, in Buenos Aires, Arlt was the child of Prussian and Italian immigrants, Karl Arlt and Ekatherine Iobstraibitzer, respectively. Growing up in a multilingual household where German was frequently spoken, Arlt's early life was marked by a difficult relationship with his father, a relationship that would later permeate his literary works.

Known for his vivid storytelling, Arlt published notable novels such as El juguete rabioso (1926), Los siete locos (1929), and Los Lanzallamas (1931). His works often explored themes of human misery and the bleak landscapes of early 20th-century Buenos Aires. His impact on theater was also significant, with plays like Trescientos millones (1932) and La isla desierta (1937), which depicted the struggles of idealistic characters, often reflecting a filomarxist ideology.

Despite his talents, Arlt's legacy was overshadowed during the 1940s and 1950s. It was not until the 1960s that his work experienced a resurgence, thanks in part to the efforts of critics like Ricardo Piglia. Arlt passed away on July 26, 1942, but his influence endures as a cornerstone of 20th-century Argentine literature.