Week 4 – The Shrouded Woman
‘The Shrouded Woman’ by María Luisa Bombal was an amazing read. I really enjoyed this text as I felt like I was so interested in her perspective. I found it so unique and capturing that she sees herself buried. Narrating from this view made this novel made it more impactful in a way as she looks back at her life. This perspective made the text so interesting almost like I was immersed in a show.
I think this novel did a great job at capturing those emotions and feelings someone would have looking back at their life if they had a chance. It made me think that death can actually make us think about things we wouldn’t normally appreciate. The little day-to-day things we take for granted, the relationships we form, and the time that just slips our fingers. I feel like this novel depicted how above all we only have our memories. Ana María mentions the things I think we would all think if we were dead. Those thoughts, wishes, regrets, memories, and such. For example when Ana Maria was regretful in being cold to her husband initially or when she regrets being left by Ricardo.
I think a central theme in this book is love. As María talks about her relationships both good and bad she explicitly remembers her relationships. Her relationship with Ricardo in her youth was filled with passion. Then moving to Fernando and then finally her unhappy marriage with Antonio. She dwells over her youthful relationship, is unhappy and cold in her marriage but then also takes on a lover which does not have a good ending either. This ongoing debate as to her relationships and what was fulfilling and what was not is something that is clearly dedicated in her memories. Furthermore, I think the novel also highlights the role of the patriarchy and society in marriage. Through her marriage with Antonio, she struggles with the roles and responsibilities that are expected of her as a woman and desires that independence that society does not reward. It is clear that she feels frustrated by societal demands and norms.
Overall I enjoyed this book! The shift between reality and memory of the María although not a new concept made this text in particular more intense and capturing.
The question I have for this week is if you were looking back at your life at this moment what memories would stand out the most to you? What moments in your life have defined who you are today?
If I were to look back on my life the memories that would stand out to me most would be family gatherings, new experiences, playing football, and quality time with friends. I’d be happy knowing all the great relationships and friendships I’ve created over my life so far and how each person has made me feel. It’s great to look back on life every now and then and be appreciative of what has happened for you to get to this point in life, it’s even more exciting to know that there are countless more people experiences and relationships to come in our young lives.
Hey Jasmeen! I agree with you, this novel was brilliant in capturing what actually “matters” in a person’s life! Ana Maria only reflected on the impactful events, and the impactful people she encountered with in her life.
I think to answer your question, I would recall my life back in a similar sense as Ana Maria. . Ana Maria does not reminisce on any material objects, but rather the relationships and the connections she has built around herself – past lovers, friends, family, life and death situations, and heartbreak.
Jasmeen, love is definitely a central theme of the novel especially as it played an important role in the gender expectations of the time. Not only romantically but also as loving mother and devoted catholic. Thanks for your comment!
If I were to look back on my past memories, most of the ones that would stand out would most likely be ones about family and ones about friends. These memories include both good memories and bad memories since I feel that’s really important to have as it shapes who I am and really make me appreciate those who have been there with me through the ups and downs.
Hi Jasmeen,
If I were to look back on my life at the moment, I would probably focus on my friends and family, similar to Ana Maria. I’d remember all the trips and gatherings with them and how I was feeling at the moment. Maybe if I look back at them at that time, I would figure out how I was truly feeling at the moment. Though, I’d like to look back at them with no regrets!