# XXIII explained — María

> Chapter companion for María by Jorge Isaacs.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

María's delicate act of removing the flowers she had placed for Efraín, and Efraín's giving her the lilies, reflects their mutual care and the subtle expressions of love.

### Nature and Memory

The flowers and the mountain lilies serve as symbols of memory and connection between the characters, evoking the natural setting of the valley.

## Character check-ins

### Efraín

Retires to his room, interacts with María and his mother, and sleeps in his brothers' room.

### María

Takes the flowers to the oratory, receives the lilies, and expresses happiness about being chosen as Tránsito's bridesmaid.

### Luisa

Efraín's mother, who arranges the sleeping arrangements and responds to María's comment.

### Felipe

One of Efraín's younger brothers, surprised and delighted that Efraín will sleep in their room.

## Key lines

> I can sleep here alone, can’t I?” I asked the former. She understood the reason of my question, and replied, “No, your friend.”

Efraín asks his mother if he can sleep alone, but she understands he is hoping Carlos won't be there and tells him that his friend will be sharing the room.

_Efraín's subtle hope to avoid Carlos's company is acknowledged by his mother._

> To the oratory; for, as there has not been time to arrange others there⁠ ⁠…”

María explains she is taking the flowers to the oratory because there hasn't been time to arrange fresh ones there.

_María's action shows her thoughtfulness and the importance of the oratory in the household._

> Carry these lilies also to the altar; Tránsito sent them to you by me, asking me to tell you that she had chosen you for a bridesmaid.

Efraín gives María the lilies he brought from the mountains, explaining that Tránsito sent them as a message that she wants María to be her bridesmaid.

_The lilies serve as a token of friendship and a request for María's participation in Tránsito's wedding._

## Links

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