Saragossa · Chapter
VII explained
In this chapter, Gabriel and Augustine attend a fervent religious gathering at the Basilica del Pilar, where the crowd displays intense devotion to the Virgin.
What happens
In this chapter, Gabriel and Augustine attend a fervent religious gathering at the Basilica del Pilar, where the crowd displays intense devotion to the Virgin. Augustine spots Mariquilla and pushes through the crowd to see her, confirming his passionate love. However, her father, Candiola, abruptly appears and drags her away, revealing his hostile and miserly nature. Augustine confides in Gabriel about the impossibility of his love, given the deep animosity between his father and Candiola, and his family's expectation that he become a bishop. He expresses his despair and his hope that the Virgin will guide him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Augustine's love for Mariquilla is portrayed as a passionate but doomed affair, requiring great personal sacrifice as he faces opposition from both families and his own destiny.
Social Class and Prejudice
The chapter highlights the deep social divide between the Montoria and Candiola families, with Augustine's love for Mariquilla seen as a transgression of class boundaries.
Religious Faith and Superstition
The intense and familiar devotion to the Virgin del Pilar illustrates the blend of deep faith and popular superstition that characterized the people of Saragossa.
Characters to notice
- Augustine Montoria
Augustine is overwhelmed by his love for Mariquilla, which he sees as doomed due to family feuds and his parents' plans for him to become a bishop. He expresses his despair and devotion to the Virgin.
- Mariquilla Candiola
Mariquilla is seen at the Basilica del Pilar, described as beautiful and elegant. She is abruptly taken away by her father, Candiola, who disapproves of her interactions.
- Candiola
Candiola appears as a miserly and repulsive old man who angrily interrupts his daughter's conversation and forces her to leave. He is deeply suspicious and protective of Mariquilla.
- Gabriel
Gabriel accompanies Augustine to the Basilica and observes the scene, providing a detailed description of Mariquilla and Candiola. He listens to Augustine's confessions about his love and despair.
- Doña Guedita
Doña Guedita is the servant who accompanies Mariquilla to the Basilica. She is also scolded by Candiola for bringing Mariquilla there.
Key passages
“Mariquilla was worth the trouble of being extravagantly, madly loved.”
Mariquilla was so beautiful that she deserved to be loved with intense passion.
Gabriel's first impression of Mariquilla, confirming Augustine's infatuation.
“If Candiola was capable of letting some of his relations die of hunger, to his daughter he gave a phenomenal, a scandalous amount of pocket-money.”
Although Candiola was extremely stingy with everyone else, he was surprisingly generous with his daughter, giving her a lot of money.
Contrasting Candiola's miserly nature with his love for his daughter.
“A bishop, Gabriel, they wish me to be a bishop! Think of being a bishop and loving Mariquilla for all of my life, here and hereafter, think of that and pity me!”
My parents want me to become a bishop, but I love Mariquilla and will love her forever. Imagine the impossibility of that situation and feel sorry for me.
Augustine's despair over the conflict between his family's expectations and his love.