Pepita Jiménez: Analysis of Major Characters
"Pepita Jiménez" is a novel that explores the complexities of love and duty through its major characters, primarily set against the backdrop of 19th-century Spanish society. The central character, Luis de Vargas, is a seminary student grappling with his commitment to the priesthood as he returns home for a vacation. His evolving feelings toward Pepita Jiménez, his father's intended bride and a charismatic young widow, form the crux of the narrative. Meanwhile, Don Pedro de Vargas, Luis's supportive father, represents a more traditional view, content for his son to abandon his religious aspirations in favor of marrying Pepita.
The story also includes Gumersindo, an elderly money-lender with a brief marital connection to Pepita, and Antoñona, Pepita's duenna, who actively encourages the romance between Luis and Pepita. The Vicar adds pressure for Pepita to marry Don Pedro, creating further tension. Additionally, Luis's cousin Currito introduces him to the casino, where a gambling dispute with the Count de Genazahar leads to a duel, testing Luis's character and resolve. Through these intertwining relationships, "Pepita Jiménez" delves into themes of love, societal expectations, and personal choices.
Pepita Jiménez: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Juan Valera
First published: Pepita Ximenez, 1874 (English translation, 1886)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Andalusia, Spain
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: c. 1870
Luis de Vargas (lew-EES deh VAHR-gahs), a seminary student, preparing for the priesthood, who is home for a vacation. He corresponds with his uncle, the dean of the seminary, about his own changing attitude toward Pepita, his father's prospective young bride.
Don Pedro de Vargas (PEH-droh), his understanding father, who is well satisfied to have his son give up the priesthood in order to stay home and marry Pepita.
Pepita Jiménez (peh-PEE-tah hee-MEHN-ehs), a charming young widow.
Gumersindo (gew-mehr-SEEN-doh), an elderly money-lender, briefly married to Pepita.
Antoñona (ahn-tohn-YOHN-ah), Pepita's duenna, who does more than her share to further the romance of Luis and Pepita.
The Vicar, who wants Pepita to marry Don Pedro.
Currito (kew-RREE-toh), Luis'cousin, who takes him to the casino. There, he gambles with the count and eventually fights a duel with him.
Count de Genazahar (deh gehn-ah-sah-AHR), who borrowed money from Gumersindo that he will not repay to the widow. When he makes slighting remarks about Pepita, he and Luis wound each other with sabers.