Coronation: Analysis of Major Characters
"Coronation: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate dynamics and psychological struggles of a diverse cast within a declining Chilean family. Central to the narrative is Andrés Abalos, a middle-aged heir grappling with loneliness and existential dread following his grandmother's death. His neuroticism is heightened by his infatuation with Estela, a young servant who embodies both youth and hope. Misiá Elisa, his senile grandmother, creates a tense household atmosphere with her delusions, influencing Andrés' emotional turmoil.
Estela's journey from submissiveness to love complicates her relationships with both Andrés and her lover, Mario, a carefree young man torn between affection and the fear of falling into poverty and crime like his brother, René. René, characterized by his manipulative nature and resentment, seeks to sabotage Mario's prospects, deepening the familial conflict. The supporting characters, including Carlos, a doctor whose moral compromises haunt him, and Adriana, his disillusioned wife, further illustrate the themes of emotional detachment and the consequences of unfulfilled aspirations. Through these characters, the narrative explores the intertwining of personal crises with broader social issues, ultimately painting a poignant picture of human vulnerability and the quest for connection.
Coronation: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: José Donoso
First published: Coronación, 1957 (English translation, 1965)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Santiago de Chile and Valparaiso, Chile
Plot: Social realism
Time: The 1950's
Andrés Abalos (ahn-DREHS ah-BAH-lohs), the middle-aged, neurotic heir of a proud Chilean family now in decline. Rich and free of any strong familial ties or occupational obligations, he devotes himself to the reading of French history, his collection of walking sticks, and the avoidance of any type of emotional entanglement or commitment. His complacency changes to panic when he realizes that, after his grandmother's death, he will be left entirely alone, without any links to the past and no promise for the future. This psychological crisis is exacerbated by his growing obsession with the servant girl Estela, whom he sees as a symbol of youth and hope. His final humiliation at her hands leads him to accept madness as the only escape from a sordid, meaningless world.
Misiá Elisa Grey de Abalos (mee-see-AH eh-LEE-sah greh), Andrés' regal nonagenarian grandmother. Once known for her beauty and modesty, she now poisons the atmosphere of her household with the obscene delusions of her madness. Her sexual taunts and accusations insidiously compel Andrés to admit his attraction for Estela.
Estela (ehs-TEH-lah), a young peasant girl who is taken from her family to be the companion and nursemaid to Misiá Elisa. At first, submissive and uncomplaining, Estela seems overwhelmed by the big city of Santiago, until she meets and falls in love with Mario. She lies and steals for him to prove her love and, finally, must choose between blind devotion and self-respect. She is desired by Andrés and Mario; their passion for her forces each man to reevaluate the direction of his life.
Mario, Estela's lover. Young, handsome, and carefree, Mario is known for his dalliances with many women, but the innocence and adoration of Estela quickly break down his defenses. The promise of his life is darkened by the haunting fear that he will be unable to overcome the cycle of poverty and will be drawn into the criminality and despair of his brother René's world. This fear becomes reality when, trapped by circumstances seemingly beyond his control, he accepts the inevitable and joins with René. He agrees to the plot to rob the Abalos mansion even though it means betraying and humiliating Estela.
René (rreh-NEH), Mario's manipulative half brother. Always looking for his big opportunity and blaming everyone else for his failures, he leads a life that is a series of scams and petty frauds. He yearns to escape from a wife and family he despises so that he can enjoy himself, free from all responsibility. Envious of his brother, he deliberately tries to ruin Mario's future prospects and sets out to turn him against Estela.
Dora, René's pitiful wife, beaten down by the harshness of her life and the ridicule of René. The pathetic love she retains for her husband is her only hope.
Carlos, a doctor, Andrés' friend and confidant. He has sacrificed his ideals for money and reputation. His self-satisfied comparison of his full life to the vacuum of his friend's precipitates Andrés' psychological trauma.
Adriana (ah-dree-AH-nah), Carlos' wife. Disillusioned by her husband's constant infidelity, she has converted herself into the perfect wife and mother. This façade is her protection against any emotional participation.
Lourdes (LOOR-dehs), Estela's aunt and longtime servant to the Abalos family. Aging and without any life outside the mansion, she, along with Rosario, lives in the past and devotes herself to the care of her mistress, whom she considers asaint.
Rosario (rroh-SAHR-ee-oh), the longtime cook for the Abalos family. Her life also revolves around the gratification of any whim of Misiá Elisa and Misiá Elisa's grandson, Andrés, whom the servants still treat as a child.