Esteban

Clara's commitment to her marriage with Esteban is seen clearly in this chapter. Although Clara refuses to talk to Esteban ever since he hit her, she still supports him in his senate campaign. She even goes out in public with him to attend political events after he winse the election. Clara is a very loyal wife, even though she refuses to speak to him.1205104560

I found it interesting that Esteban has been distancing himself from everyone else in the family, even his two sons, who will carry on his family name. Clara doesnt talk to him at all and avoids him. Even him and Blanca dont have a good relationship because of the love between Pedro Tercero and Blanca. The only thing I thought was odd is why Clara would still support him in his campaign for senate.1205188208

I think the whole family has distanced themselves from each other, even the twins. They all seem to lead their own lives and the only thing that's making them cross paths is the house they live in, and the narrator says that often. The only exception to that is Blanca and Clara, which is very interesting because all the mothers in this book are very close to one of their daughters, never one of the sons. And I think Clara still supports Esteban in his campaign because she knows how important his public reputation means to him and she often trys not to purposely "get the people talking" 1205289919

I actually disagree. I don't believe Clara is a loyal wife, and really, who can blame her? I suppose she was loyal to him physically and socially since she never cheated on him with another man. However, Allende frequently mentions that Clara's mind was always elsewhere, especially in the spirit world. And she also subverted her husband's conservative politics by doing so much to help the poor. Esteban knew that in her heart, Clara was completely independent. She was only outwardly loyal to her husband becuase it suited her position in life.1205609484

Clara is a better person than to socially ditch her husband during a time of campaign, and I think thats why she didn't. She is definitely loyal in that way, but I also think she proves to be a good wife by staying with Esteban even though they don't speak a word to one another. Maybe she wants to stay together with him for the sake of her children, even though their kids don't even associate themselves with the family for the most part. Clara also proves to be loyal to Blanca by telling her that she knows Pedro Tercero is not dead. 1205725285