JE #6

10: Felix

For me, Felix is the most culturally schizophrenic of all Islas’ characters. Though he is the Rain God, Felix is powerless against his desires and is forced by cultural expectations of him to live a double and dangerous lifestyle. He also abuses his position of power at the factory as he seeks an outlet for his desire. His inability to live openly also negatively effects his family relationships.

9: Mama Chona

Mama Chona exemplifies internalized racism in her expressed hatred for lower-class indios, though she herself has indigenous heritage.

8: Miguel Grande

Miguel Grande is paralyzed by his machismo, a fact most evident in his inability to avenge Felix’s death. Throughout the novel, Miguel Grande prides himself on the way in which he takes advantage of his wife, but later he cannot choose between her and Lola.

8: Miguel Chico

Miguel Chico’s hatred for Maria mirrors Mama Chona’s internalized racism, and this factor of his cultural schizophrenia is symbolized in the way the apparatus he wears keeps him from living a fulfilled life.

7: Angie

Though Angie is trapped in her marriage with Felix, who does not desire her, she seems to be at least somewhat aware of her cultural schizophrenia, which feels hopeful.

6: Juanita & Lola

Juanita is so crushed under Miguel Grande’s patriarchy that at first she refuses to accept his unfaithfulness. Lola’s source of satisfaction is that she can seduce men, even when it means betraying her best friend. My hope for Juanita and Lola is that they are able to understand each other in spite of Miguel Grande and Lola’s transgression.

5: Nina

Nina reproduces the cycle of violence that began with her father, but after the death of her son she seeks refuge in religion. Nina also looks out for her sister, Juanita. It seems that Nina is in the process of breaking free from her cultural schizophrenia.

4: JoEl & Lena

These siblings must figure out what it means that their father was brutally murdered. Though they deal with their father’s death in different ways, I think their understanding of why Felix’s death was unacceptable is a sign of hope that they might move from their state of cultural schizophrenia, even if, medically speaking, JoEl’s mental state seems to be deteriorating.