Marianela

The Centeno family, Sofía, Francisco, Manuel, Florentina, and Teodoro each represent a different outlook on the notion of charitable goodness. What informs each of these views on charitable goodness? How do they contrast from one another? Which view does the author of the novel seem to support the most?

Nela often proclaims, “I am of no use at all” (21). Discuss the origin of this sentiment and how her sense of self-worth develops throughout the novel. How does this sentiment contribute to the novel’s escalating tensions?

Prior to Pablo’s gaining of sight, Nela and Pablo share a special relationship with a shared appreciation of the natural world. While sight presents the literal rupture of their relationship, what does it signify of Pablo and Nela’s evolution of beliefs? Who changes the most in this relationship and in what ways?

Power is exercised in different forms throughout the novel whether through Sofía’s abuse of Nela or the benevolence of Florentina. Compare and contrast the various forms that power takes through at least three characters.

Teodoro compares his bravery and skill for survival to that of colonial explorers Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés. He states, “I discovered a New World for myself, and having discovered it, I conquered it” (98). In what ways do these words extend to Teodoro’s mission to grant Pablo sight in Aldeacorba? How does Pablo’s eye surgery compare to Teodoro’s analogy of colonial conquest?

When Nela wakes up in Florentina’s room, Teodoro and Florentina are determined to care for the young orphan. They each offer Nela a different way of life and ask her to choose between the two of them. Discuss what Teodoro and Florentina each represent to Nela. How do you interpret the young orphan’s perceived choice? What is conveyed when the choice is interrupted by Pablo’s presence?

When Nela expires after Pablo sees her, Teodoro lodges the following accusation to the young boy: “It has killed her. The sight of you has killed her!” (197). What is the role of sight in the novel? Is it always connected to violence?

As Celipino shares Nela’s lowly social status in the Centeno household, they develop a friendship. However, Celipino differs from Nela in their contrasting ideas about social betterment. Discuss the ways in which Celipino is a foil for Nela’s sense of self-worth and social advancement. How does Celipino’s desire to better himself contrast Nela’s will?