A Meditation: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Meditation: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into a rich tapestry of interrelated characters set against the backdrop of Región during the tumultuous 1920s and 1930s, a period leading up to the Spanish Civil War. The primary narrator, part of a conservative family, reflects on the shifting memories of his community, showcasing how time distorts facts and relationships. Central to the narrative is Mary, the narrator's cousin, who bridges familial divides by marrying Julian, a Republican educator. This union and subsequent exile illustrate the personal ramifications of the broader political conflict. Other key figures include Emilio Ruiz, a wealthy landowner embodying conservative ideals, and Jorge Ruan, who provides care and support to Mary upon her return to Región. The narrative also features characters like Enrique Ruan, a poet whose life ends amidst the civil strife, and Muerte, who runs an inn that serves as a brothel, highlighting the complexities of life in this period. The inclusion of mythical figures like The Numa adds a layer of cultural depth, emphasizing themes of protection and order amidst chaos. This intricate character web offers insights into personal and societal struggles during a pivotal historical moment.
A Meditation: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Juan Benet
First published: Una meditacion, 1970 (English translation, 1982)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Región and elsewhere in northwestern Spain
Plot: Antistory
Time: The 1920's to the 1960's
The narrator, the main character, a member of a conservative family and observer of the history of Región during the 1920's and the 1930's, a crucial period during which Región, as a microcosm of Spain, is preparing for a civil war. He relies on memory to present, again and again, some facts and characters that change and become distorted by time.
Mary, the cousin of the narrator. She is the only member of his clan who crosses the boundary that separates his family from the house of the Ruan family, another powerful clan of Región. Mary weds Julian, the instructor of the Ruan children. Julian is a republican who goes into exile after the Spanish Civil War. In the United States, Mary divorces Julian and marries a physician, with whom she goes back to Región, where she lives for a while with her former family, with the Ruan family, and at their new home. After Mary's death, the house is abandoned by her husband.
Emilio Ruiz (eh-MEE-lee-oh rrew-EES), the fiancé of Mary's eldest sister. A rich landowner and the owner of a mine, he is a conservative who becomes—without marrying Mary's sister—the leader of her conservative family. He succeeds in alienating Mary and her new husband.
Jorge Ruan (HOHR-heh RREW-ahn), the elder of the Ruan family, who cares for Mary when she comes back and is abandoned by her family.
Enrique Ruan (ehn-REE-keh), a poet who dies at the end of the Spanish Civil War. A small gathering of friends makes a pilgrimage to the Ruans' family dwelling to put a stone there in memory of him.
Muerte (MWEHR-teh), the owner of an inn that doubles as a brothel, where Emilio Ruiz stays when he visits his mine.
Provocación (proh-voh-kah-see-OHN), a daughter of Anhelo and sister of Perturbación—or Persecución, as she is also called on occasion. Provocación is a prostitute in Barcelona who comes to the inn to spend her summer vacation and stay with her sister.
Cayetano Corral (ki-yeh-TAH-noh), a member of another Región family and friend of the narrator. He ends up in a solitary house trying to repair a clock.
Carlos Bonaval (boh-nah-VAHL), a member of another Región family, supposedly an enemy clan of the narrator's family because one of its members is alleged to have stolen the formula of a liquor that was the pride of the narrator's family.
The Numa (NEW-mah), the mythical guardian or vigilante of the region. People feel protected under his shadow. He kills trespassers and, although nobody has seen him, maintains order in his domain and enforces a strict law against all intruders.