A review of Allende's book 'The House of Spirits' and a discussion regarding the theme of religious and societal beliefs regarding the role of women at that time.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, 2006, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper reviews the book 'The House of Spirits' by Allende. According to the paper, Allende begins her work in by discussing the religious and societal belief that women could never be equal to men, and that their place in the social order was to support the world of men and be subservient to their needs (3). This contention by the author reflects centuries of societal belief that women must accept their second class role beneath men, without questioning male dominance as an integral part of the social order. Allende is successful at relaying this historical point of view within her work. However, Allende uses this view to demonstrate the conflict that exists between the female gender and society, and the struggle that women continually experience in their attempt for equality within their individual worlds.
Abstract The death and violent overthrow of Chilean President Dr. Salvador Allende, on September 11, 1973, represents the result of a three-year long testing whether political institutions can survive sharp transformation in their policies. The capitalist class, with help from exterior powers, replaced Allende's democratically elected government with a military regime that ruled for 17 years. The crucial figure in this military coup was Allende's successor Augusto Pinochet. This paper examines the events that led to the overthrow of Dr. Allende's government, as well as the significance of the overthrow. The opinions from scholars Peter A. Goldberg, author of the journal "The Politics of the Allende Overthrow in Chile" as well as Gil Merom, author of the journal "Democracy, Dependency, and Destabilization: The Shaking of Allende's Regime" are used as reference.
From the Paper "Forty years prior to Allende's rise to power, the Chilean political elite was dependent on bargaining and compromises between government and opposition parties. However, during his regime, Allende made an agreement between his Unidad Popular (UP) the coalition of parties of the left, and Christian Democratic Party (PDC). The agreement provided new constitutional backing for the pluralism of Chile's institutional system, in return for which the PDC agreed to vote for Allende. The agreement guaranteed the existence of the opposition political parties, while the President is in control of armed forces. Social groups like labor unions and institutions like the universities, the private schools and the communication media were guaranteed their autonomy and multiparty character. This marriage between UP and PDC worked almost perfectly during the first year of Allende's regime."
Abstract In this paper, the basis of inward and outward beauty is examined by revealing the magical realism and physical descriptions that both Morrison and Allende present in their novels. In this capacity, they contrast and compare in how they depict physical beauty, but it is Allende that presents a deeper, more metaphysical appropriation of how beauty affects Rosa and her family around her. The paper shows that these forms of beauty both offer a keen insight into how ethnicity and culture play into how people interact with one another, as depicted in the novel forms.
From the Paper "The aim of this literary study will be to examine the nature of inner (spiritual) and outward beauty (physical) within the novels: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende. By comparing and contrasting the essence of these two forms of beauty, one can realize how both of these authors present their opinions on the theme of beauty. In essence, the tenants of beauty differ in representing cultural and ethic values within these writings presented in this study. In the novel The Bluest Eye Morrison formulates her concept of beauty through an inner perspective, especially though the Pecola Breedlove. The main scope of racism is depicted by the Breedlove family being 'ugly', as they are not only not deemed 'beautiful' by white standards; they are also ugly to the people of their own race."
Abstract This paper deals with the inability of Esteban Trueba, the main character in Isabelle Allende's "The House of the Spirits" to maintain emotional relationships with those close to him, including his mother, his sister, and Clara. The paper includes a brief analysis of the book as well as a complete analysis of the main character.
From the Paper "Trueba's bad temper became legend, and grew so exaggerated that it even made him uncomfortable" (Allende 63). This quote, from The House of the Spirits, centers on the mindset of Esteban Trueba, the main male character. Esteban had originally been engaged to Rosa Del Valle, but her premature death by poisoning came as an unfortunate blow. He ends up marrying Clara, Rosa's sister, who he comes to love, but not as much as Rosa. Throughout the course of three generations, Esteban becomes despised in the family due to his wicked temper and stubbornness. However, the one person he comes to share a relationship, Alba, his granddaughter, is one of true love, but it is also the most threatened out of his relationships."
Abstract This paper explains that Isabel Allende's "The House of the Spirits"
contains a steady conflict within characters as they try to achieve harmony between their inner and outer worlds. The author points out that Clara is a character who is seemingly trapped in her inner world because she cannot escape what is happening within her own mind; however, Blanca and Alba are affected much more by the happenings in the outside world and their lives constantly are torn apart by the actions of other people. The paper relates that, because it is the driving force behind many of the characters' actions, the setting of this novel, which is assumedly Chile during periods of political turmoil, is important.
From the Paper "Esteban Trueba is a character whose main interest is in the outer world, with very little attention paid to the happenings of his inner world. He is a hard-working man who wants to achieve great wealth before his time on Earth is over. His main goal is to become rich because of all the material goods that such status would bring him. He is a short-tempered and violent man as well. He never seems to be happy with anyone in this novel, as there is always something that sets him off. He is more concerned with controlling people and having them do exactly as he pleases than he is with changing the type of person that he is."
Abstract This paper explains that Dan Allender approaches the subject of child abuse from two parallel perspectives. The author relates issues that may arise in adults who were sexually abused as children. The paper argues that the lifelong anguish is grounded in the spiritual as well as the psychological.
From the Paper "Dan B. Allender approaches the subject of sexual abuse from two parallel perspectives. He bases his analysis of the adult experience of persons who were abused sexually as children on the fact that he has counseled many victims of sexual abuse as both pastor and clinical psychologist and that he too has had to deal with the reality of sexual abuse that he experienced as a child. His perspective is accordingly twofold. Even though he explains that he has taught secular courses in psychology and is a conventionally ..."
Abstract This paper analyzes the way in which women are portrayed in Allende's "The House of Spirits." Specifically the paper examines magic realism and the discussion of female power and autonomy in the lives of the women characters.
From the Paper "Isabel Allende's novel "The House of Spirits" is best known as a journey into a world of magical realism. However, it is important to note Allende's other mission within the narrative, namely a discussion of female power and autonomy in the lives of her characters. In fact the way in which women are portrayed in "The House of Spirits" relates plainly to one of the novel's key themes and allows Allende to articulate an interesting point about the rights of women within a patriarchal society."
Abstract The paper begins with a biography of Isabelle Allende. It shows the turning point in her life when her uncle, the president of Chile was overthrown. It then outlines her novel "Casa de los Espiritus" and compares it to her life. It emphasizes the Chilean government and discusses the irony and magical realism in the novel. The paper also examines religion and its effect on her life and beliefs.
From the Paper "The most interesting thing about the novel, though, was its connection with real life. Upon reading about Allende, the reader finds that the characters are based on her own family, and there is a real element of telepathy in Isabel's life. Clara, one of the main characters is based on Isabel's grandmother. She is similar in many ways. She tells Isabel stories, she performs telepathy, and she is very close to both her daughter and granddaughter in spirit. Esteban was also based on a family member, her grandfather. He was a strong man like the character of Esteban. The difference, though, between Esteban and her grandfather was that her grandfather wouldn't pour out his feelings to his granddaughter. This is why the story was written with using the memories of Clara, to give it a different background. (Gautier 18) "
Abstract This essay is a book review of "Paula" by Isabel Allende (Harper Collins 1994). The author proposes that Allende's earnest 'letter' to her comatose daughter, Paula, is a highly textured memoir, which explores the links between memory and the search for identity. The book documents Allende's recovery of the memories of her life and thereby the creation of an identity for herself and her daughter. The novel is engaging both as a highly personal record of a mother's struggle for hope for her lifeless daughter, and as a political statement against the subjugation of immigrant women. Drawing on her background as a journalist, Allende maintains a sober and factual tone to reveal the difficulties faced by a woman often displaced in foreign cultures.
Abstract This paper discusses the book "The Wounded Heart," by Dan Allender. The paper describes the book as part religious work and part psychology. It discusses the topic of sexual abuse, as well as discussing the healing power of Jesus Christ and the spiritual and emotional journey of the author. The paper cites passages and concepts from the book and discusses the author's inner self to provide an accurate description and critique of "The Wounded Heart".
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Dan Allender- Author and Christian
Synopsis of "The Wounded Heart"
Concept of "The Great Physician" in "The Wounded Heart"
Allender and The Path Less Chosen
Hard Hitting Emotion in "The Wounded Heart"
Objective Critique of The Work
Closing Thoughts
From the Paper "While the subject matter is hardly pleasant, and frankly emotionally disturbing, Allender brings home the hard hitting emotion in such a skillful and caring way that it is readable, which is a key consideration for those who need to read it most. While the book is certainly suitable reading for those who have not been sexually abused, for those who have been abused and carry round the pain and the guilt of that experience, or what Allender would call "a scarred heart and soul" , it is possible to read the book and derive value from the words because of the skillful and sympathetic way that it is written. Speaking from his own brutal experiences in life, as well as his educational background, Allender makes it possible for the reader to better understand exactly what the author is trying to share, and his genuine concern for the plight of the reader is clear."
Abstract This paper discusses how various characters in the novel "House of Spiritis" (Isabel Allende), use sex to reveal their hidden emotions. Sex represents revenge for Esteban Garcia, an outlet for Esteban Trueba's emotions, love for Pedro Tercero and Blanca and a means of self-gratification for Jean de Satigny. The paper shows that sex also signifies love for Clara; because she does not love Esteban Trueba, she does not want to have sex with him. Allende uses sex to display the types of relationships between the characters. For some, sex is a consummation of their love; for others, sex is a pleasurable experience used to release their emotions.
From the Paper "Another way that Esteban Trueba uses sex as an outlet for his emotions is when he is with Transito Soto. Although Esteban Trueba is ?not a man for whores,? he likes Transito Soto because "she was indefatigable and never complained" (69). Esteban Trueba visits Transito Soto after he is married when he is having problems in his relationship with Clara. Transito Soto helps Esteban Trueba "weep out all the misery and loneliness of recent years" after they have sex together (317). Esteban Trueba turns to Transito Soto to release his feelings because he knows that she will not ask questions and that she can understand his pain through their sexual relations together."
Abstract This paper examines different definitions of magical realism in literature and, in particular, compares and contrasts the magic realism aspects of Isabelle Allende's "The House of the Spirits" and Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude". The books are analyzed within the context of plot, setting, characters, style, and narrative structure. It shows how Garcia Marquez takes his themes and his use of devices to explore these themes to such exquisite heights that the comparison between the two books is really an unfair one and how there really is no comparison between the masterpiece of Garcia Marquez, and Allende's rather one-dimensional, poor attempt at magic realism.
From the Paper "Bell-Villada (2002) acknowledges that magic realism is not an original construct of Garcia Marquez, that, rather, it came from Kafka (Garcia Marquez continually acknowledges the great impact The Metamorphosis had on his writing), and from Faulkner, and that Garcia Marquez took the ideas from these authors, and built on them to give the world his complex, enchanting magic realist masterpiece. This view, of Bell-Villada (2002), differs from the euro-centric view of Zamora and Faris? (1995) book Magic Realism: Theory, History and Community, by putting Garcia-Marquez's achievement in its rightful place as the masterpiece of magic realist fiction, rather than downplaying this achievement, through analysis, interpretation and presentation of worldwide, magic realist texts (such as those by Toni Morrison, and Rushdie, most of which were written post-One Hundred Years of Solitude)."
Abstract This paper discusses the book, "The House of the Spirits" written by Isabelle Allende. The writer points out that, although the book is a novel and is set in a nameless magical reality of the author's imagination rather than a specific place and time, the heavily symbolic nature of Allende's prose renders the book almost like a philosophical, as opposed to an analytical, critique of Chilean politics and society.
From the Paper "The book tells the story of the coming of age, of the boyhood and manhood of the patriarch of the Trueba family during the political upheaval that cumulates in the rise of a dictatorial era. It also stresses the struggles of the patriarch's wife to come to terms with her own gifts of prognostication and the impact of the sins and hopes of the fathers and mothers of the Trueba family upon their offspring's lives in a larger political context. Ultimately, Estaban Trueba lives in frustration at his inability to control the women in his life or the politics of the world in which he dwells logic and masculine power are futile in the arbitrary world of the novel. The man's first love, his fiance dies. He cannot fully possess his wife Clara on an emotional level, as she becomes involved with a relationship with another woman. His daughter becomes pregnant by a lower class man. His granddaughter is raped."
This paper provides a contrasting study of the role of women in Latin American magical realism in 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende and 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Abstract In this essay, the writer discusses that in both 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende and 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, females figure prominently in the authors' narratives of magical realism. The writer notes that in both novels, the struggles of the main female protagonist exist on a literal level of story and have a symbolic level of significance beyond the story, about the nature of politics or the nature of women, respectively. The writer concludes that Allende ultimately seeks to question the reasons for man's inhumanity to men, and women, in a political reality, and uses magical realism to heighten the consequences of her character's actions and cruelties, while Marquez relates his tale of a fictional village and family exclusively in the register of the fantastic and the surreal.
From the Paper "True, some of the actions of Allende's characters may be heightened by supernatural narrative motifs such as the matriarch Clara's ability to see into the future, but these plot points have ramifications beyond those of the psychological, symbolic, or merely mystical. For example, in a parallel of the terror that will come to Chile, Esteban hits his wife, and Clara takes a vow of silence, and never speaks to him until he dies. This act of defiance, although taken to an extreme in the novel, can also be read as a heightened example of a difficult relationship between husband and wife, and how the oppression within a patriarchal family structure mirrors the politics of the land."
"In contrast, Marquez's female archetypes lack the complex psychology of Allende's females, existing in the material dimension alone rather than on simultaneous spiritual and material planes."
Abstract The paper discusses the feminist fictional voice depicted in the book both through its characters and through the use of magical realism. It also notes the comparison between Allende and author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This paper compares the book with its film version, and points out the ways the movie fails to convey a good representation of the novel.
From the Paper "Allende's female characters demonstrate this truth. Clara is the epitome of the woman for whom life is process, and her ability to speak to the spirits and to see the future shows that process is the meaning in her life. By contrast, her husband Esteban is dedicated entirely to goals--first to becoming rich, then to marrying well, then to building on his riches and his prestige, and ultimately to preserving all that he has built."
