# XVII explained — María

> Chapter companion for María by Jorge Isaacs.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mar_a_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mar_a_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mar_a_se/chapters