Bombal: Ana Maria as a Mirror Reflecting Life as a Woman in the 20th Century

I loved reading a piece of literature from the 20th century that emphasizes the life and experiences of a woman, written by a woman. Many romance novels centering woman written by men tend to focus on women’s bodies more, seeming to objectify them, and the conflict in the stories tend to centre men. In “The Shrouded Woman,” we got to experience the woman’s life more, particularly her family, class, and gender dynamics.

I liked how Bombal explored what happens after death while still able to have senses and thoughts. She introduced Ana Maria as a dead body, but in a way that makes her very much alive and conscious, so she seems more human with access to the living and memories. While she is still a subject to the gaze of others, she reminds me of a mirror, a reflection into her life where she can gaze upon her past experiences.

While I describe Ana Maria as a mirror, I also acknowledge the title of the book: the shrouded woman. This suggests she’s ready to be buried and concealed from view, much like the image of a mirror with a cloth covering it. Why cover her? Perhaps it’s a custom, but I like to think about it in a more poetic way: she reflects the truth, particularly about how women are treated at this time, and some people can’t face it. Covering her up may be easier.

I first found it puzzling the way Ana Maria’s love interests were introduced, and then I realized they may reflect her resources. As a teenager, she fell in love with Ricardo (her first love), who eventually abandoned her and their unborn child. This shows how men can drop a woman at anytime to chase after their dreams, while Ana Maria couldn’t – her dream was to be with Ricardo, suggesting women. Then she marries Antonio, who tolerates her, though she had to marry in order to gain status even if love wasn’t always involved. Fernando seems more like a friend if anything, where she experiences respect, but no love.

I didn’t love the second person POV (“you”) because I was confused about if Ana Maria was talking to me or another character.

I would love to talk more about the elements of nature in class, particularly the rain she hears in her coffin. My question: is this a metaphor for weeping? Though Ana Maria finds comfort in the sound it seems.

Sarah D