Overall, I liked Cumanda as a whole. However, I found the second half to be slightly different the first half. Although Mera still uses plenty of description (at times too much in my opinion), I found these descriptions to be different and more distinct than those in the first half. For example, in chapters 1-10, it seems as though Mera focuses more on the description of the landscape, which I think is of value in order to give the reader a solid mental picture of the setting. However, in the chapters 11-20, I noticed that a large majority of Mera’s description is surrounding the weather and celestial bodies. He constantly makes references to the sun, and the moon, as well as the rain, water, and various storms. At times Mera is describing what is actually going on, but at other times he uses these “themes” in order to make comparisons with characters, for example.
I think that Mera did a good job of blending both the natural and the spiritual throughout the novel. Through his description as well as the setting, lifestyles, and customs of the tribes Mera effectively articulates a vivid and strong sense of nature. On the other hand, through the dialogue of the characters, the theme of religion, as well as the intimate connections and relationship between the characters (especially Carlos and Cumanda), Mera balances the natural with an opposing force of the spiritual.
I enjoyed the ending of Cumanda. I especially like the fact that the priest was put in a compromising situation. I think it is interesting to evaluate and expose the morals of religious figures, which are often portrayed as infallible. To be honest, I am kind of glad that Cumanda died in the end. I did not want her to die, but had she lived and everything had worked out perfectly, I would have disliked the ending for that very reason. This is not to mention the issue of incest and the like.
January 24, 2007 at 7:45 am |
I agree that the use of the natural vs. the spiritual was effective in distinguishing the two cultures from each other and strengthened the contrast between the two. Whereas the indios had a deep respect for their natual surroundings and performed rituals praising their harvest and bounty, the blancos were focused on spreading their intangible religious ideals through the region.
I think it’s also interesting that the novel begins with very vivid descriptions of the natural surroundings with Cumanda as an indio and then the cultural emphasis shifts to christinanity and the discovery that she is actually one of the Europeans.