In many of the films we have viewed, the women experience great hardships. This film is no exception. Raimunda grew up feeling unloved and abandoned by her mother and was sexually abused by her father, bearing his child and living the lie that her own child was her sister. She then was in a less than desirable marriage, having to work several jobs to support her family. Her husband was killed at the hands of her daughter, while defending herself from him, and Raimunda mustered up the strength, physically and emotionally, to cover up the murder and carry on. She learned at a young age to be determined and self reliant. These traits certainly came in handy throughout her life.
One superstitious belief that was repeated through the movie was that of the "east wind", which was blamed for driving everyone crazy. Another example was their belief in spirits. The whole village believed Augustine's spirit had come back and had taken care of Raimunda's Aunt until her death. I even was believing it was her spirit until she admits other wise. This film exemplifies the strength and courage of women in their pursuit of overcoming tragedy.
Beth Niehaus
Beth,
ReplyDeleteI too thought that Irene was a ghost until it was blatantly stated that she was not. I forgot to mention the wind in my blog, but it was definitely an important superstition throughout the film.
Maggie
I strongly agree with how you state Raimunda had to overcome so many obstacles- rape/betrayal/raising her daughter who was a product of incest and rape. I don't know how she stays sane. But she is definitely portrayed as a strong woman because of all these things she has dealt with.
ReplyDeleteIn deed, the theme of "abused women" is present throughout the entire film. I wonder if maybe the sub-topic of "incest" has been offenssive for any body in the classroom. It is not quite mention in the US so much anymore as it is in the Hispanic World. Mainly, in the rural and poor areas, where children do not have the care and attention they need.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think Raimunda's mother never did anything to help and help her daughter after she found out the incest had been committed?
It is a good question, to ask why her mother did not help when she found out about the incest. Could it be the abuser was a dominant overbearing person whom she feared. She might have felt helpless and therefore did not act. Another possibility is that, although very wrong and devastating to the victim, if it is more common place in the Hispanic culture, maybe it was a sad reality that did not get confronted openly. Beth Niehaus
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