The Death of Artemio Cruz: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Death of Artemio Cruz" is a profound exploration of identity, morality, and the consequences of ambition set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Mexico. The narrative revolves around Artemio Cruz, a wealthy landowner who reflects on his turbulent past while facing death. His journey is marked by a transition from a revolutionary idealist, who initially fights for the rights of the oppressed, to a self-serving opportunist who ultimately embodies the very class he once opposed. Throughout his life, significant relationships shape his character, particularly with Gonzalo Bernal, a young idealist whose disillusionment contrasts starkly with Cruz's moral decay.
The characters surrounding Cruz, including his first love Regina and his wife Catalina, further illuminate the themes of betrayal and emotional detachment. Regina's tragic fate marks the loss of Cruz's innocence, while his relationship with Catalina reveals the emptiness of a marriage built on social convenience rather than genuine connection. Lorenzo Cruz, Artemio's son, serves as a counterpoint to his father's legacy, striving for honor in a world rife with moral ambiguity. This intricate character web invites readers to consider the complexities of revolution, personal integrity, and the sacrifices made along the way.
The Death of Artemio Cruz: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Carlos Fuentes
First published: La muerte de Artemio Cruz, 1962 (English translation, 1964)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Mexico
Plot: Social realism
Time: 1889–1959
Artemio Cruz (ahr-TEH-mee-oh crews), a wealthy, corrupt landowner in postrevolutionary Mexico. He remembers significant episodes of his seventy years of life while on his deathbed. In his memories, related out of chronological order, he searches for his own identity, which is, like the Mexican national identity, based on the rape of the mother. Cruz joins the Mexican Revolution determined to fight against the landowners and for the rights of the peasants who work on the land. He associates himself with the winning faction of General Álvaro Obregón and, during the first years of the revolution, meets Regina. After she is brutally killed, he becomes a selfish opportunist who never opens his heart to anyone. Two years later, he is captured. While awaiting execution, he discusses the meaning of life and revolution with Gonzalo Bernal. Cruz saves himself by offering to turn traitor. Later, he introduces himself to Gonzalo's wealthy family and marries Gonzalo's sister Catalina. That marriage gives him a ticket to the upper class. He comes to epitomize the class that he fought in the revolution. He abandons all morals and has a series of mistresses. He dies as an extremely prosperous man, surrounded by the people who despise him, lovers and business partners who want to use him, without any real friends and without any ideals.
Gonzalo Bernal (gohn-SAH-loh behr-NAHL), a young idealist who joins the revolution in order to fight against the establishment represented by his rich father. He dies disillusioned, in solidarity with other prisoners, realizing that the revolution will not bring desired changes. He exemplifies honesty and spiritual strength.
Lorenzo Cruz, the son of Artemio Cruz. He is faced with situations similar to those of his father, but he always chooses an honorable solution. In that sense, he can be seen as a redeemer of his father's spiritually and morally wasted life. Lorenzo dies in the Spanish Civil War.
Regina (reh-HEE-nah), Cruz's first love. She is hanged by Cruz's opponents at the beginning of the revolution. With her dies a romantic, open, and honest side of Artemio Cruz.
Catalina (kah-tah-LEE-nah), Cruz's wife and Gonzalo's sister. She and Cruz never open up to each other because she sees herself as property given to him by her father. Neither will she forgive the betrayal of her brother. Although Cruz claims that his love for her is genuine and honest, he has several mistresses during their marriage and stays with her only because of social status and the political implications of a breakup.