Luminous Material

I say, the inclusion of the fantastical is an exaggeration of the real, which serves to make certain things strangely more real. I better understand Esteban's infatuation with Rosa, and later his paralytic grief and rage at her loss, because she is otherworldly and irreplaceable. This loss progresses the story, in that it propels Esteban's first steps toward becoming the stern ruler. Referring to Tres Marias, Esteban resolves that, "if there was anything that could alleviate the grief and rage of Rosa's loss it would be breaking his back working this ruined land" (50-51). He goes on to rule this land with a firm hand - and having no need to keep up appearances, gives in to his "bad character" (54).

Later, I better understand Esteban's love for Clara because, while the details are different, she is magical and irreplaceable as Rosa. While Esteban may think he sees her eccentricities as annoying, I believe he is attracted to her magic. I believe this is what he means when he speaks of her "undefined and luminous material" (96). I believe Rosa might have been made bodily of the same stuff. It may be a factor of Esteban's attraction to the sisters, that in the chapter that focused solely on him, there was no magic.


As a side note, as much as anything else in the book, I'm wondering what will happen with the young prostitute Transito Soto, who tells Esteban that she is "going to go far," and that "life is long and full of unexpected turns" (69). She has made an impression on me.


In other news, the worst thing about being a last minute post-er, is I'm able to see that most other people have already mentioned almost everything I have to mention. Looking forward to the next blog date.


-Kevin