María · Chapter
XVII explained
Efraín prepares to visit Emigdio, but Emma teases him about his mood and his friend's sister.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
The exchange of the pink symbolizes the unspoken affection between Efraín and María, with María's gesture reflecting both tenderness and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Efraín
Prepares to visit Emigdio, receives a new watch from his father, and exchanges flowers with María.
- Emma
Teases Efraín about his mood and combs his hair, and later arranges flowers in the garden.
- María
Gathers flowers and gives Efraín a pink, showing a mix of tenderness and shame.
- Señor A⸺
Shows Efraín a new watch and gives him instructions for Emigdio's father.
Key passages
“I was all ready to set out when Emma came to my room. She was surprised to find me in a happy mood.”
Efraín is about to leave when Emma arrives, noticing his cheerful disposition.
Sets the scene for the chapter's interactions.
““Will you exchange all these,” I asked, “for the pink you had in your mouth?””
Efraín asks María to trade all the flowers he has for the pink she held between her lips.
A romantic gesture that highlights their connection.