Los Santos Inocentes: Social Injustice, Nature, and Character Dynamics
Classified in Religion
Written on in 
English with a size of 4.51 KB
Social Injustice in Los Santos Inocentes
The central theme of Los Santos Inocentes is the profound social injustice, exacerbated by the accepted submission of the oppressed. This injustice is evident not only in external signs like differing lifestyles but also in the contempt shown by masters towards the humble, who endure abuses. The gentry's ideology remains rigid and unchanging.
Book Summaries: Key Themes and Events
Book I: Azarías, La Milana, and Nature's Embrace
Book I introduces Azarías, whose lack of 'human warmth' is palpable at the La Jara farmhouse. He periodically visits his sister and develops a deep affection for an owl, La Milana, with whom he shares a strong bond. His love for nature, even in death, is a significant theme, and La Milana's trauma profoundly affects him.
Book II: Nature's Echo and Failed Hopes
The theme of love for nature reappears, but the central focus is the tragic failure of the innocent characters' aspirations and projects.
Book III: Azarías's Expulsion and True Charity
Azarías is expelled from La Jara and moves into Paco's house, where he is perceived as a nuisance. He attempts to be helpful, even paying for geraniums, though this often annoys Régula, who laughs at him. This book highlights the theme of charity, suggesting it is more prevalent and genuine among the poor than among the powerful.
Book IV: Hunting Passion and Master's Complacency
The dominant theme in this book is the passion for hunting, epitomized by Señorito Iván, who, even at thirteen, competed with the country's best marksmen. It also exposes the masters' self-serving complacency, seen in their actions like teaching the humble to falsely sign documents or offering condescending alms.
Book V: Paco's Accidents and Contempt for Nature
The two serious accidents involving Paco reveal the masters' unmitigated selfishness. The episode of blinding the pigeons further underscores their profound contempt for nature.
Book VI: Abuses, Revenge, and Natural Justice
The abuses of the past, particularly those committed by Iván, become a central theme, now extending to the oppressors themselves. Pedro transforms into an oppressor-oppressed figure. The final episodes depict Purita's abduction and escape, highlighting the attunement to nature and its abuse, culminating in revenge as an act of natural justice.
Character Analysis: Voices of Los Santos Inocentes
Azarías: Simplicity and Animal Empathy
Azarías expresses his lack of complex reasoning through short sentences. His simplicity is conveyed with tenderness, often through his imitation of animal sounds.
La Niña Chica: A Symbol of Humiliation
La Niña Chica, through her moans and condition, expresses a profound state of mental disability. Symbolically, her cries represent the silent protest of all the humiliated.
Paco el Bajo: Submissive Wisdom and Sarcasm
Paco el Bajo displays a submissive character, yet he can be harsh when scolding his daughter. His wisdom is evident in his pithy sentences and sarcasm.
Régula: Resignation and Acceptance
Régula often begins her proposals with '¡Ae!', a syncope of '¡A ver!' (Let's see!). This distinctive phrase identifies her character and expresses her resignation and acceptance of a harsh reality.
Quirce: Laconic Rebellion
Quirce laconically expresses his rebellion against Señorito Iván. His sullen character makes his statements brief and pithy.
La Nieves: The Gift of Discretion
La Nieves possesses the gift of discretion, evident in her few, terse, and necessary phrases.
Señorito Iván: Contempt and Immutability
Señorito Iván demonstrates his contempt through a particular adjective that frequently escapes his lips. His immobility is conveyed through a well-worn, almost 'minted' phrase.
Señora Marquesa: Expressing Interest
Señora Marquesa expresses her interest in her owner through short sentences and gestures.
Miss Miriam: Sensitivity to the Humble
Miss Miriam shows sensitivity towards the humble, often repeating '¡Dios mío!' (My God!) upon encountering La Niña Chica.
Don Pedro el Perito: Jealousy and Aggression
Don Pedro el Perito is a character full of gestures. His jealousy is the root cause of his verbal aggressiveness towards his wife.
Doña Purita: Frivolity and Arrogance
Doña Purita embodies frivolity and arrogance, feeling protected by Señorito Iván.