Saragossa · Chapter
XIX explained
The chapter depicts the aftermath of the bombardment, with the Audiencia burning and Candiola's house in ruins.
What happens
The chapter depicts the aftermath of the bombardment, with the Audiencia burning and Candiola's house in ruins. The narrator finds Candiola amidst the rubble, surrounded by a mocking crowd, and tries to persuade him to leave. Candiola, consumed by grief and paranoia, recounts discovering his daughter Mariquilla with two men, his subsequent rage, and the bombing that destroyed his home. He refuses to abandon his property, obsessing over hidden treasures and receipts, while the narrator attempts to reason with him.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Human Endurance
Candiola's desperate clinging to his property and his refusal to leave despite the destruction reflect the struggle to endure amidst chaos and loss.
Family Honor and Duty
Candiola's rage at Mariquilla's perceived dishonor and his cursing of her highlight the theme of family honor and the expectations placed on children.
War and Dehumanization
The bombardment reduces Candiola's home to rubble and drives him to madness, illustrating the dehumanizing effects of war on individuals.
Characters to notice
- Candiola
Found amidst the ruins of his burned house, he is distraught, paranoid, and obsessed with his possessions. He recounts discovering Mariquilla with two men and refuses to leave his property.
- Mariquilla Candiola
Mentioned by her father, who accuses her of disgracing him by being with two men. She is not present in the chapter but is central to Candiola's anguish.
- Augustine Montoria
The narrator, who attempts to help Candiola and offers him refuge. He is the one who finds Candiola and tries to lead him away from the ruins.
- Doña Guedita
Mentioned by Candiola as being present during the fire, she clawed him in the face as they escaped the room.
Key passages
“The firing of the guns and cannon ceased. A great splendor was illumining the city. It was the burning of the Audiencia.”
The artillery fell silent, and a bright glow lit up the city as the Audiencia building went up in flames.
Describes the aftermath of the bombardment and the fire consuming a major building.
“I have said already that I shall not leave this place while such a quantity of things which can still be saved is not recovered.”
I've told you, I'm not leaving until I've salvaged everything that can be saved from this place.
Candiola's stubborn refusal to abandon his ruined home.
“Cursed be the bread that I have given you for nineteen years, to invite thieves into my house!”
May the food I've provided you for nineteen years be cursed, for you've brought thieves into our home!
Candiola's curse upon his daughter for her perceived betrayal.