# XXXVI explained — María

> Chapter companion for María by Jorge Isaacs.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Duty

Efraín feels a duty to help his family after their financial loss, but his father insists on the duty of completing his education.

### Love and Sacrifice

Efraín and María both suffer from the impending separation, and Efraín is willing to sacrifice his education for the family's sake.

## Character check-ins

### Efraín

Struggles with the impending departure, offers to stay to help the family, but ultimately accepts his father's decision.

### María

Shows visible distress upon hearing of Efraín's imminent departure, trembling as she serves tea.

### Señor A⸺

Sends letters confirming the travel plans and expresses his regard for Efraín.

### Juan Ángel

Brings the mail from the village, including the letters from Señor A⸺.

### Emma

Plays the guitar to amuse her father during his convalescence and participates in the family conversations.

## Key lines

> I will cheerfully renounce the advantages you have proposed me in the completion of my studies, as it is my duty to relieve you from the promise you have given me.

Efraín offers to give up his studies to help his father financially.

_Efraín's willingness to sacrifice his education for the family._

> Your position will be a very good one four years from now, and then María will become your wife.

His father promises that María will be his wife after he completes his education.

_The father's assurance of a future with María._

## Links

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