The Devotion of the Cross: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Devotion of the Cross" centers around themes of identity, redemption, and familial ties, explored through a cast of interconnected characters. Eusebio, one of two abandoned infants found at a wayside cross, experiences a tumultuous journey shaped by his love for Julia and his devotion to the cross. He faces moral dilemmas, particularly after killing Julia's brother, Lisardo, in a duel, which leads to a series of events that transform him from a hopeful lover to a bandit. As Eusebio navigates his life of crime, he gradually uncovers his true identity and familial connections to Julia and Lisardo, deepening the narrative's complexity. Julia, who also carries the mark of the cross, symbolizes the intertwined fates of the siblings, while their father, Curcio, grapples with the consequences of his past actions, having abandoned them due to unfounded suspicions. Father Alberto plays a key role as a spiritual figure, providing Eusebio with a moment of redemption before his demise. The story reflects on the significance of the cross, serving as both a literal and metaphorical anchor for the characters, illustrating how devotion can lead to profound personal revelations and connections.
The Devotion of the Cross: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pedro Calderón de la Barca
First published: La devoción de la cruz, 1634 (English translation, 1832)
Genre: Play
Locale: Siena, Italy
Plot: Tragedy
Time: Seventeenth century
Eusebio (ay-ew-SAY-byoh), one of two infants abandoned by a wayside cross. Surviving several disasters in which the sign of the cross is miraculously manifested, he feels himself ennobled by his devotion to the cross and worthy of Julia, whom he loves. After he kills her brother, Lisardo, in a duel, she orders him out of her life. He turns bandit and spares only victims who mention the cross. During ensuing adventures, he learns his identity; that of his father, Curcio; and that of his brother and sister, Lisardo and Julia. Fatally wounded, he wins redemption because of his devotion to the cross.
Julia (HEW-lyah), who is loved by Eusebio. Later, by the sign of the cross on her breast, she is revealed as Eusebio's sister, the other infant abandoned at the wayside cross.
Lisardo (lee-SAHR-doh), Julia's brother, killed in a duel by Eusebio and later revealed to be Eusebio's brother.
Curcio (KEWR-thyoh), the father of Eusebio, Julia, and Lisardo. A baseless suspicion of his wife's unfaithfulness causes him to abandon the twins, Eusebio and Julia, by a wayside cross. When he fatally wounds Eusebio in a fight, his son's identity is established by the cross on his body.
Father Alberto (ahl-BAYR-toh), a priest whose life is saved by the bandit Eusebio. In thankfulness for being spared, he hears the outlaw's last confession.
Gil (heel) and Menga (MEHN-gah), peasant witnesses to the duel between Eusebio and Lisardo.