Black Valley: Analysis of Major Characters
"Black Valley: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and conflicts among the key figures in a narrative set within the estate of Black Valley. Central to the story is Gracián Palma, the ward of Don Jesús de Viscarra, who becomes embroiled in the complex dynamics of Don Jesús's family and their neighbors. Don Jesús, the estate's owner, is engaged in a lifelong feud with Don Pablo Camargo, his adversary, which ultimately leads to his tragic death. Mirra, Don Jesús's daughter, harbors feelings for Gracián, adding a layer of personal turmoil to the unfolding drama.
The character of Flavia, Don Jesús's sister, is pivotal as she navigates her affair with Don Pablo, who is both her lover and the antagonist, having killed her brother. Their illegitimate daughter, Victoria, further intertwines the fates of these characters by marrying Gracián. Additional figures include Lazarus, the overseer of the estate, who holds secrets of his own, and Amoroso, a loyal servant to Flavia. The presence of Pichana, an old beggar woman, adds a unique perspective to the social dynamics at play. The exploration of these characters sheds light on themes of loyalty, love, and the consequences of rivalry, making it a compelling study for those interested in character-driven narratives.
Black Valley: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Hugo Wast
First published: 1918
Genre: Novel
Locale: Argentina
Plot: Regional
Time: Early twentieth century
Gracián Palma (grah-see-AHN PAHL-mah), the ward of Don Jesús de Viscarra, to whose estate, Black Valley, he is taken for the summer. He becomes a member of and learns the secrets of Don Jesús' turbulent family and his equally turbulent neighbors.
Don Jesús de Viscarra (heh-SEWS deh bees-KAH-rrah), the guardian of Gracián Palma and owner of Black Valley. Engaged in a lifelong boundary dispute with a neighboring landowner, Don Pablo Camargo, he is shot and killed by his adversary after a lawsuit is decided in Don Jesús' favor.
Mirra (MEE-rrah), Don Jesús de Viscarra's daughter, who is in love with Gracián Palma.
Flavia (FLAH-vee-ah), the sister of Don Jesús. She is the mistress of Don Pablo Camargo and the mother of his daughter, Victoria.
Don Pablo Camargo (kah-MAHR-goh), a neighbor of Don Jesús de Viscarra and his sworn enemy. He kills Don Jesús as the result of a boundary dispute. He is the lover of Don Jesús' sister, Flavia, and the father of her daughter Victoria.
Victoria, the natural daughter of Flavia and Don Pablo. She marries Gracián Palma.
Lazarus, the overseer of Black Valley, who is in love with Flavia and the possessor of the secret of her affair with Don Pablo.
Amoroso (ah-mohr-OH-soh), the devoted servant of Flavia.
Pichana (pee-CHAH-nah), an old beggar woman.