María · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for María by Jorge Isaacs.
Chapter 1
Translator's Note
The translator's note explains the decision to leave certain Cauca localisms untranslated, as they have no English or Spanish equivalent, and acknowledges the assistance of Señor Carlos Martinez Silva LL.D. in the translation process.
Chapter 2
María
This opening chapter introduces the novel's setting and narrator, Efraín, as he returns to his native valley after years of absence. The narrative is rich with sensory descriptions of the landscape, evoking memory and emotion. Efraín's arrival is marked by a deep sense of homecoming, and he is immediately reunited with his family, including his father and his beloved María, setting the stage for the story's central relationships and themes.
Chapter 3
I
Efraín recalls his departure from home as a boy to study in Bogotá. The night before, his sister cuts a lock of his hair as a keepsake, and he is filled with sorrow and foreboding. The next morning, his father must loosen his mother's embrace, and María, his cousin, shyly bids him farewell. As he rides away with his father, he looks back and sees María behind the creeper by his mother's window.
Chapter 4
II
Efraín returns to his native valley after six years, overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape and the joy of reuniting with his family. He is particularly struck by María, who now appears as a young woman, and the chapter captures the emotional homecoming and the first stirrings of his love for her.
Chapter 5
III
The family gathers for supper, with Efraín seated opposite María. The evening is filled with quiet observations and subtle glances. Afterward, Efraín is shown his room, which María has decorated with flowers. Their brief exchange reveals a growing connection.
Chapter 6
IV
Efraín wakes from a dream of María, and observes her in the garden with Emma. After breakfast, his mother asks him to stay close, and Emma questions him about Bogotá society. María's presence is noted, and it is agreed that Efraín will give grammar and geography lessons to the girls. The chapter ends with Efraín enjoying a bath prepared with flowers María had gathered.
Chapter 7
V
Efraín accompanies his father to inspect the valley farms, witnessing the improvements and the slaves' condition. He learns of Pedro's death and attends the wedding of Bruno and Remigia. His father announces that Efraín must go to Europe to study medicine in four months, causing him distress.
Chapter 8
VI
Efraín returns from the valley and finds María in the parlor. She seems pale and nervous, wearing the overblown pink he gave her and the coral cross he brought from Bogotá. Their quiet exchange is charged with unspoken emotion, and Efraín, overwhelmed, retreats to his room where he kisses the flowers she had gathered for him, weeping with love for her.
Chapter 9
VII
This chapter recounts the backstory of María's arrival in Efraín's family. Salomón, Efraín's father's cousin and childhood friend, becomes a widower and is grief-stricken. Efraín's father offers to take Salomón's young daughter, María, to raise as his own. Salomón consents, and María comes to live with the family. Six years later, news arrives of Salomón's death, causing deep sorrow. The chapter reflects on María's integration into the family and the lasting impression she made on Efraín before he left home.
Chapter 10
VIII
Efraín, troubled by his earlier quarrel with María, tries to hide his distress at dinner. María is absent due to a headache, and Efraín reflects on his feelings, doubting whether she loves him and feeling unworthy of her affection.
Chapter 11
IX
Efraín rises at dawn and takes a solitary walk through the mountain, reflecting on the unchanged landscape and his memories. He visits old José's cabin, where he is warmly received by José, his wife Luisa, and their daughters Lucía and Tránsito. The family shares a humble breakfast, and Efraín presents gifts before departing at noon.
Chapter 12
X
Efraín returns from visiting José's farm, his thoughts consumed by María. He brings wild lilies for her but hesitates to give them due to his resolve and his mother's presence. He finds his vase empty of the flowers María had placed there, leading him to believe she does not love him. In a moment of hurt pride, he throws the lilies away.
Chapter 13
XI
Efraín, feeling guilty after his earlier quarrel with María, tries to appear cheerful and talks about the women of Bogotá. María remains pale and quiet, eventually going to the garden. At dinner, she wears one of the mountain lilies Efraín had thrown away, and through this gesture, they reconcile. Efraín confesses his love, and María promises to pick the most beautiful flowers every day.
Chapter 14
XII
Under the moonlight, Efraín reflects on his love for María and their secret understanding. The next day, he begins teaching María and his sister Emma, and their lessons become a pretext for intimate moments. Emma, aware of their feelings, facilitates their time alone. María's intelligence and charm deepen Efraín's devotion.
Chapter 15
XIII
Efraín returns from the mountain to find María unconscious after a nervous shock. He rushes to her side, where his father reveals that she suffers from the same disease that killed her mother—epilepsy. Overwhelmed by grief, Efraín stays by her, and María slowly regains consciousness, recognizing him and expressing her fear of the illness. The chapter underscores the looming threat of María's condition and the deep emotional bond between them.
Chapter 16
XIV
Efraín's mother informs him that his father insists María should know about Carlos's proposal. Efraín suggests telling María about his father's consent to their engagement while keeping Carlos's proposal a secret from her. His mother agrees, and they plan a conversation with María. Meanwhile, Efraín wakes to the children's chatter, prepares for a hunt with Carlos and Braulio, and later overhears his mother telling María about Carlos's proposal, which causes María distress until she learns of Efraín's love.
Chapter 17
XV
After María's recovery from her epileptic attack, Efraín visits her and learns that she overheard her parents discussing her mother's fatal disease and her own uncertain future. That evening, Efraín's father reveals that Dr. Mayn has warned that María may die young from the same disease as her mother, and that her intense love for Efraín has exacerbated her condition. He asks Efraín to promise not to speak to María about her peril and to delay any marriage for five years, also revealing that Carlos's father has proposed a marriage between Carlos and María. Efraín agrees to the conditions, and the chapter ends with his emotional turmoil and a rainy day that mirrors his inner conflict.
Chapter 18
XVI
Ten days after the painful interview, Efraín avoids the house and María, spending time alone or with José. His mother confronts him, revealing that María's illness is not the same as Sara's, and urges him to reconcile. Efraín promises to make amends within two days and plans to visit Emigdio.
Chapter 19
XVII
Efraín prepares to visit Emigdio, but Emma teases him about his mood and his friend's sister. His father shows him a new watch and asks him to deliver a message about pasture. In the garden, María gives Efraín flowers, and he asks for the pink she held in her mouth; she gives it to him with a look of tenderness and shame.
Chapter 20
XVIII
Efraín visits his friend Emigdio, a country boy who has returned from Bogotá. Emigdio confesses his love for a peasant girl named Zoila, which he hides from his father, Don Ignacio. The chapter includes a humorous recollection of Emigdio's first arrival in Bogotá and a description of a visit to Don Ignacio's farm, where cattle are being branded. Efraín and Emigdio bathe in the Amaime River, where Emigdio reveals his romantic intentions.
Chapter 21
XIX
Efraín returns home to find María absent, but she soon brings him coffee. They reconcile after their earlier quarrel, with María forgiving Efraín and setting a condition for their renewed harmony. The chapter also includes José's invitation to a hunting trip the next day.
Chapter 22
XX
Efraín joins José and Braulio on a jaguar hunt, during which he saves Braulio's life. The chapter also reveals the betrothal of Braulio and Tránsito, and Efraín's growing familiarity with the family.
Chapter 23
XXI
Efraín returns from the jaguar hunt with Braulio, who tricks Juan Ángel into carrying the jaguar's head home. Efraín avoids the family gathering, but the head is revealed at dinner, causing a stir. Carlos and his father have arrived, and Efraín grapples with the impending trial of Carlos's courtship of María. Carlos later examines Efraín's books, revealing his disdain for serious study.
Chapter 24
XXII
In this chapter, Carlos visits Efraín's family. During a musical evening, Carlos sings and plays the guitar, and María sings a song written by Efraín. Efraín, feeling jealous and resentful of Carlos's earlier criticism of his books, lies about the song's authorship. At dinner, Efraín deliberately offers Carlos the seat María had indicated for herself, and María appears hurt. The chapter explores themes of jealousy, pride, and the subtle dynamics of love and rivalry.
Chapter 25
XXIII
Efraín retires to his room, hoping to sleep alone, but finds that Carlos will share it. María takes the flowers she had placed in his vase to the oratory, leaving the lilies from the mountains. Efraín gives her the lilies, mentioning Tránsito's request for María to be her bridesmaid. María expresses joy and mentions a beautiful dress. Efraín sleeps in his brothers' room, where the medallion of the Mater Dolorosa hangs, and the pets sleep near his bed.
Chapter 26
XIV
Efraín's mother informs him that his father insists María should know about Carlos's proposal. Efraín suggests telling María about his father's consent to their engagement while keeping Carlos's proposal a secret from her. His mother agrees, and they plan a conversation with María. Meanwhile, Efraín wakes to the children's chatter, prepares for a hunt with Carlos and Braulio, and later overhears his mother telling María about Carlos's proposal, which causes María distress until she learns of Efraín's love.
Chapter 27
XXV
Efraín, Carlos, and Braulio go on a deer hunt. Braulio sabotages Carlos's rifle, causing him to miss an easy shot, which humiliates Carlos. The deer is spared at the request of Emma and María. Braulio reveals his trick to Efraín and mentions María's kindness towards Tránsito.
Chapter 28
XXVI
Efraín and María discuss Carlos's proposal, with María revealing that she has spoken with Efraín's mother and will respond to Carlos as expected. Efraín tries to avoid Carlos's confidence, but is saved by Don Jerónimo's call. The chapter highlights the tension and emotional strain surrounding Carlos's courtship.
Chapter 29
XXVII
Carlos, having failed in his proposal to María, confesses to Efraín that he regrets not having confided in him. He explains that his father suggested he marry María, and he agreed, not knowing of Efraín's love. Efraín, in turn, admits his love for María and his father's knowledge of it. Carlos warns Efraín about the risks of marrying a woman with a hereditary illness. Later, during a walk, María refuses Carlos's proposal, and Efraín's father, having learned of her refusal, gently questions her, leading her to confess she is pledged to another. Efraín's father seems to understand, and after Don Jerónimo and Carlos depart, Efraín and Carlos reconcile, with Carlos expressing his remorse and Efraín feeling regret for not having been more open with his friend.
Chapter 30
XXVIII
Efraín and his father work diligently in the study, while María waits for Efraín in the evening. They discuss Carlos's visit and Efraín's confession to him, with María showing concern for their friendship. The chapter ends with María leaving, and Efraín treasuring her handkerchief.
Chapter 31
XXIX
In this intimate domestic scene, Efraín writes letters while his father dictates and shaves. His father calls María in to trim his hair, engaging her in playful conversation about his graying hair and his youthful habit of washing it with cologne. The father's warm, teasing manner with María reveals his affection for her, and he even returns the rose that falls from her braid, pinning it back himself. He hints that the day's work will be shorter than yesterday's, suggesting a lighter schedule ahead.
Chapter 32
XXX
The chapter depicts a visit from Tránsito and her father José, who come to discuss Tránsito's upcoming wedding to Braulio. Efraín and María share a tender moment, with María giving Efraín a lock of her hair. The family walks with Tránsito partway home, and later, Juan's childish complaints about María lead to a reconciliation scene where María comforts him. The chapter also includes Efraín's reflections on his love for María and his observations of her melancholy, which he fears may be a sign of her illness.
Chapter 33
XXXI
Efraín prepares to accompany his father to the valley farms, though he is reluctant to leave María. The chapter depicts a tender domestic scene where María and Emma pack provisions, and Efraín and María exchange a private moment, with María cutting a lock of Efraín's hair to place in her locket.
Chapter 34
XXXII
Efraín and his father work late into the night on business matters. A servant arrives with letters, one of which reveals a major financial loss. The father is devastated, blaming himself for trusting others. They decide to conceal the news from the mother and delay their return home. Efraín reflects on the harshness of misfortune in old age and the beauty of the valley that he may never see again.
Chapter 35
XXXIII
Efraín returns to find María waiting on a rock overlooking the valley. They share a tender moment, and María recounts a strange encounter with a black bird that had frightened her. Efraín is disturbed by the coincidence, as the same bird had appeared to him during a storm. The chapter ends with Efraín feeling a vague dread, remembering his father's warning to control himself.
Chapter 36
XXXIV
On the day of Tránsito's wedding, Efraín and María share an intimate conversation revealing their mutual love and fears. María confesses her hope that Efraín's father's financial loss might keep Efraín home, while Efraín reassures her of his love. They ride together to the parish church, with María skillfully handling the black horse, and the chapter ends with their arrival at the church.
Chapter 37
XXXV
Efraín returns home to find his father ill with a fever. The family, including María, cares for him, but his condition worsens. The doctor diagnoses a brain-fever, likely brought on by the recent financial loss. María and Efraín take turns watching over him through the night, while his mother prays. The chapter ends with the doctor's concern as the fever persists.
Chapter 38
XXXVI
Efraín's father recovers from a critical illness, and the family enjoys a period of peace. However, a letter from Señor A⸺ confirms that Efraín must depart for Europe in a month. Efraín offers to abandon his studies to help the family after their financial loss, but his father insists he must go, promising that María will become his wife upon his return.
Chapter 39
XXXVII
Efraín's father formally asks María to promise to marry Efraín upon his return from Europe. María agrees, with conditions that Efraín go cheerfully and study hard. The family shares an emotional evening, with Efraín struggling to control his sorrow at the impending separation. Plans are made to visit the farm, where Feliciana is ill.
Chapter 40
XXXVIII
Efraín arrives at the farms to find Feliciana, his old nurse, gravely ill. Despite his efforts to make her comfortable, she dies that evening. The slaves hold a vigil with a mournful hymn, and the next day Feliciana is buried. Juan Ángel, her son, is devastated and tries to prevent the burial. Efraín comforts him, promising that María, his mother, and Emma will care for him.
Chapter 41
XXXIX
Efraín and María share a tender evening in the garden before his departure. María's playful innocence and deep affection are evident as they recall past moments, plant lilies as symbols of their love, and discuss plans for the next day. The chapter highlights their pure and chaste relationship, with María's promise to send lilies in letters as tokens of her feelings.
Chapter 42
XL
Efraín returns from the mountain at noon and meets María at the bath, where they engage in playful banter about the Undines. Later, in the parlor and sewing room, their flirtation continues, touching on themes of jealousy, memory, and the future, until they are interrupted by the arrival of Emma and their mother.
Chapter 43
XLI
On the eve of Efraín's departure, the family prepares his luggage. María and Efraín share an intimate conversation on the corridor, exchanging rings as tokens of their commitment. A black bird startles María, foreshadowing tragedy, but she asks her mother to keep the incident secret.
Chapter 44
XLII
Efraín accompanies his father on a farewell visit to Don Jerónimo's farm, where he spends time with Carlos, who expresses his boredom and longing for Bogotá. On the way back, Efraín meets Custodio, who shares his worries about his daughter Salomé's possible romantic involvement with Tiburcio and Justiniano, and the economic hardships of the valley.
Chapter 45
XLIII
Efraín acts as a mediator between Salomé and Tiburcio, who are estranged due to Tiburcio's jealousy over Justiniano. Efraín convinces Tiburcio to visit Salomé and reconcile, while also reassuring Salomé of Tiburcio's love. The chapter also depicts Efraín's farewell visit to Salomé's family, where Salomé expresses her dependence on him and her distress over the situation with Tiburcio.
Chapter 46
XLIV
Efraín returns home at five o'clock to find María waiting with his mother and Emma. After a brief exchange, María and Efraín go to the garden to water the flowers. There, María confesses her deep fear of Efraín's impending departure, expressing her dread of being left alone. Efraín reassures her, and they share a tender moment, with Efraín kissing her hair for the first time.
Chapter 47
XLV
Efraín visits Braulio's family to say goodbye before his journey. He helps milk the cow, teases Lucía about a potential suitor, and shares a breakfast prepared by Tránsito. The farewell is emotional, with Efraín giving his rifle to Braulio and embracing the family, knowing he may never see them again.
Chapter 48
XLVI
Efraín descends from the mountain, bidding farewell to the landscape, and returns home to find María in a cheerful mood. They share a tender conversation through the grating, where María reveals she has been ironing his shirts as a loving gesture. They plan to spend the next day together, reading and enjoying each other's company before his departure.
Chapter 49
XLVII
On the night of the twenty-ninth, Efraín takes leave of his family and María, then lies awake until the dreaded hour of departure. He sleeps fitfully, haunted by María's sobs and memories. At dawn, he prepares to leave, comforted by the faithful Juan Ángel. He bids farewell to his mother and Emma, then finds María in the oratory, where she faints in grief as he departs.
Chapter 50
XLVIII
Efraín, now in London, receives a letter from María that vividly describes her longing for him and the unchanged state of his room at home. She writes of the withered flowers, the calendar still on the fateful date, and the faithful dog Mayo searching for him. The letter includes a lily petal, symbolizing her hope and love.
Chapter 51
XLIX
Efraín receives letters from María that grow increasingly melancholic. Señor A⸺ arrives in Paris with letters from home, revealing that María is gravely ill and that Efraín must return to Cauca immediately. María's letter pleads for his swift return, fearing she may die before seeing him. Efraín departs for London within hours.
Chapter 52
L
Efraín arrives at Buenaventura on the schooner Emilia López, eager to return home to María. He reads a letter from her expressing hope and love. He is greeted by Lorenzo, a trusted family friend, and stays with the collector, who has prepared for his journey. The collector jokes about Efraín's haste, but ultimately arranges for his early departure.
Chapter 53
LI
Efraín and his companions continue their journey down the Dagua River, facing the dangers of the wilderness and the night. The chapter captures the melancholy of departure, the beauty of the natural surroundings, and Efraín's longing for María, as he anticipates their reunion.
Chapter 54
LII
Efraín continues his arduous journey through the treacherous Dagua river, facing difficult terrain and a violent rainstorm. The boatmen, urged by Lorenzo, push hard to reach Juntas before dark, where D⸺, a former servant of Efraín's father, awaits his arrival.
Chapter 55
LIII
Efraín and Lorenzo continue their journey through the night, determined to reach Cali quickly. They stop briefly at Hormigero and Hojas, where they meet Justo and other mule-drivers, sharing chocolate and brandy before pressing on.
Chapter 56
LIV
Efraín returns to Colombia, reaching the summit of Cruces and seeing the Cauca valley again. He learns from Lorenzo that the family has moved to Cali because María is very ill. He rides urgently to Cali, arriving at night. At the house, he is embraced by Emma, who is dressed in black, and his mother, who tells him that María has died. Efraín is devastated by the news.
Chapter 57
LV
Efraín awakens in his family home, surrounded by loved ones, and learns of María's death. His mother and sisters tend to him, but he is consumed by grief and a desire to know the details of María's final days.
Chapter 58
LVI
Two months after María's death, Efraín remains too grief-stricken to visit her grave. Emma gradually reveals María's final messages and the events of her last days. María, aware of her impending death, left farewell gifts and messages for Efraín, including picking roses and lilies from the garden, and expressing her love and sorrow. She died after a severe seizure, and her body was carried to the village by Braulio, José, and others, with Efraín's father and the priest following. The father, overwhelmed with guilt, blames himself for the journey that separated them.
Chapter 59
LVII
Two months after María's death, Efraín receives the last of Emma's story and the key to María's closet. He visits his father, who gives him Salomón's will and dowry papers, confessing his role in separating Efraín from María. Efraín then returns to the house on the sierra, where he revisits the scenes of his love, opens María's closet, and finds her braids. Overcome with grief, he wanders the garden and is stopped by Tránsito, who shows him her baby, offering a glimpse of life's continuity.
Chapter 60
LVIII
Efraín spends his last night in his childhood home, reflecting on the past and the memories of María. He reads the letters they exchanged, holds her braids, and dreams of her as his wife, only to wake to the cold reality of her death.
Chapter 61
LIX
Efraín departs from his home, stopping at the cemetery to visit María's grave. He prays with José's family, receives a crown of flowers from José's daughters, and bids a final farewell to María's grave before riding away into the night.
