Broad and Alien Is the World: Analysis of Major Characters
"Broad and Alien Is the World: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the lives of key figures in a Peruvian Indian village, highlighting their struggles against systemic oppression and injustice. At the center is Rosendo Maquis, the village mayor, who embodies a commitment to justice and the preservation of ancestral lands but ultimately suffers tragic consequences for his peaceful resistance. The narrative also includes Bismarck Ruiz, an unethical lawyer who is conflicted in his loyalties, serving both the local indigenous community and the exploitative rancher Don Amenabar, who represents the oppressive forces against the villagers.
Correa Zavala emerges as a passionate young lawyer eager to support the Indians' fight, yet his efforts are thwarted, underscoring the challenges faced by those who advocate for marginalized communities. The notorious bandit Fiero Vásquez presents a contrasting approach, offering to use violence to combat eviction, but his methods are rejected by the villagers seeking lasting peace. Benito Castro, who takes up Rosendo's mantle, tragically meets a violent end while trying to lead his people. The presence of La Castelaña, the mistress of Bismarck Ruiz, adds another layer of complexity to the interplay of power and morality within the socio-political landscape. Each character contributes to a broader commentary on the struggle for justice and the impact of colonial legacies on indigenous lives.
Broad and Alien Is the World: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Ciro Alegría
First published: El mundo es ancho y ajeno, 1941 (English translation, 1941)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Peru
Plot: Social realism
Time: 1912–1926
Rosendo Maquis (rroh-SEHN-doh MAH-kees), mayor of the Peruvian Indian village of Rumi. He fights a losing battle to keep his people from losing their ancestral lands. He is a peaceful man who seeks only justice from the whites. Seeking to recover the village's prize bull, he is imprisoned as a thief. He dies in prison, victim of a brutal beating administered when he is erroneously thought to be responsible for helping another prisoner, Fiero Vasquez, escape.
Bismarck Ruiz (bees-MAHRK rrwees), an unethical lawyer. He is retained by the Indians to help them in court to keep their lands from falling into the hands of Don Amenabar, a white rancher. Ruiz is but half-hearted in his efforts, as he is also in the employ of Don Amenabar.
Don Amenabar (ah-meh-nah-BAHR), a greedy, ruthless rancher. He treats the Indians as an inferior people and robs them of their cattle and lands. He tries, too, to make slaves of them for his mines.
Correa Zavala (koh-RRAY-ah sah-BAH-lah), a zealous young lawyer. He, filled with indignation, undertakes to help the Indians, but his well-meant efforts are unsuccessful.
Fiero Vásquez (FYAY-roh BAHS-kehs), a notorious Peruvian bandit. Implored by an Indian woman from Rosendo's village who loves him, he offers to help the Indians fight eviction by force. The peaceful villagers, knowing violence will not bring them any lasting peace, reject his offer.
Benito Castro (beh-NEE-toh KAHS-troh), successor to Rosendo as the leader of the Indians of the village of Rumi. He is killed by soldiers who evict the poor people from their lands.
La Castelaña (kahs-teh-LAH-nyah), a notorious woman, mistress of the lawyer Bismarck Ruiz.