# XXVII explained — María

> Chapter companion for María by Jorge Isaacs.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Efraín and María's love is tested by Carlos's proposal, and Efraín is willing to risk everything for her, even as Carlos warns him of the potential sacrifice.

### Friendship and Rivalry

The chapter explores the tension between Carlos's friendship with Efraín and his rivalry for María's hand, ultimately resolving in a reaffirmation of their bond.

### Disease and Death

Carlos's warning about María's hereditary illness brings the theme of disease and potential death to the forefront, casting a shadow over the lovers' future.

## Character check-ins

### Efraín

Confronts Carlos about his intentions, admits his love for María, and reconciles with his friend.

### Carlos Martinez Silva

Confesses his failed proposal to María and his regret for not confiding in Efraín, showing his noble character.

### María

Refuses Carlos's proposal and confesses to Efraín's father that she is pledged to another.

### Señor A⸺

Efraín's father, who questions María about her refusal and seems to understand her secret.

### Juan Ángel

Present during the walk, he interacts with María and is carried by Efraín.

## Key lines

> I must get you to forgive me for a lack of confidence in your friendship.

Carlos asks Efraín to forgive him for not being open about his intentions.

_Carlos begins his confession, seeking to repair any damage to their friendship._

> And this disease, which is probably the same that her mother had—Why, are you going to spend half your life seated beside a grave?

Carlos warns Efraín that María's illness could lead to a life of grief and watching her die.

_Carlos's pragmatic warning highlights the tragic reality of María's condition._

> My daughter, can it be that you are pledged to another? That isn't so, is it?

Efraín's father asks María if she has already promised herself to someone else.

_The father gently probes María's refusal, leading to her confession._

## Links

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