Analysis of Natalia and Quimet in Mercè Rodoreda's Diamond Square

Analysis of Mercè Rodoreda's Diamond Square

Character Dynamics: Natalia and Quimet

In the analyzed fragment of Diamond Square, we are introduced to the protagonist and narrator, Natalia, and her encounter with Quimet at the square, which gives the novel its name. Natalia is accompanied by Julieta, while Quimet is with Cintet. After their respective companions leave, Natalia and Quimet begin a conversation.

Natalia feels trapped and intimidated by Quimet. She describes a sense of being unable to escape his gaze, which she metaphorically compares to "monkey eyes." Furthermore, the author employs various metaphors to convey the protagonist's anguish, such as the sensation of chewing gum that impedes her breathing, alongside the use of polisíndeton to heighten the emotional intensity.

Themes of Isolation and Identity

Natalia experiences profound feelings of loneliness and guilt, emphasized by her sense of loss and her memories of her deceased mother. The fact that Quimet renames her—and that she eventually accepts this new identity—helps shape her character as someone insecure, weak, and easily influenced.

Rodoreda’s Literary Techniques

• Symbolism: Rodoreda transforms trivial objects into drivers for deeper psychological issues, a technique reminiscent of Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time.
• Narrative Style: The author blends indirect and direct speech to create the impression of raw, unfiltered thought. This "spoken literature" style removes intermediaries between the protagonist and the reader.
• Realism and Colloquialism: Rodoreda is celebrated for her literary quality and realism. She utilizes a colloquial style and conversational phrases to discuss complex themes like horror, sadness, and injustice, effectively breaking the barrier between the text and the reader.