"'I would like to have been born a man, so I could leave too,' she said, full of hatred.
'And I would have not liked to be a woman,' he said." (45)
Later in the novel, the gender roles are displayed through Pancha Garcia.
"He simply used her as a hygienic method for relieving the tensions of the day and obtaining a good night's sleep. But the moment came when Pancha's pregnancy was obvious even to him." (62)
I also agree with Aryana about how Allende exposes us to a different culture.
In the quote, "The fasting consisted of soft puff pastries, delicious vegetarian dishes, spongy tortillas, and enormous cheeses from the countryside, with which each family commemorated the Passion of the Lord, taking every precaution not to touch the least morsel of meator fish on pain of excommunication." (2)
Allende introduces us to a different kind of fasting. From my background, I think of reflection and starvation when I hear the word "fasting" but when I read this quote, was aware of the difference in cultural context from my world and that of the novel. What may seem to be obsurd to me such as the poor treatment of women in the society may very well be seem as normal.
I agree Tiffany. I am sure that as we progress through the novel the gender roles will become more defined and that line between men and women will be dug deeply in the ground.
ReplyDeleteI am curious how you feel about Clara's powers and how they may affect her relationship with Esteban and Ferula? Also, what did you think about the description of Rosa the Beautiful? Does this mermaid fit within the context of the story that Allende is penning for us? Happy Reading and great post!! (new post is the very upper right hand corner of the main screen)
Having read your post, I'm inspired to wonder...committed to think about...how the fantastical/magical is used by Allende to describe gender and gender roles. Hadn't thought about that particular angle before.
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