# XXXVIII explained — María

> Chapter companion for María by Jorge Isaacs.

## What happens

Efraín arrives at the farms to find Feliciana, his old nurse, gravely ill. Despite his efforts to make her comfortable, she dies that evening. The slaves hold a vigil with a mournful hymn, and the next day Feliciana is buried. Juan Ángel, her son, is devastated and tries to prevent the burial. Efraín comforts him, promising that María, his mother, and Emma will care for him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Disease and Death

The chapter focuses on Feliciana's illness and death, and the mourning that follows.

### Family and Duty

Efraín feels a duty to care for his old nurse and her son, and promises to take on a familial role for Juan Ángel.

## Character check-ins

### Efraín

Arrives at the farms, arranges for Feliciana's care, and comforts Juan Ángel after her death.

### Feliciana

Efraín's old nurse, dies after a severe illness.

### Juan Ángel

Feliciana's son, grieves deeply and tries to stop the burial.

### the doctor

Attends Feliciana and pronounces her death.

## Key lines

> She will not live through the day.

The doctor predicts that Feliciana will die before the day ends.

_The doctor's grim prognosis is delivered to Efraín._

> It is not your mother that you see here. She is in heaven. God will not be pleased with your despair.

Efraín tells Juan Ángel that his mother is in heaven and that his despair would displease God.

_Efraín attempts to console Juan Ángel at the graveside._

## Links

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