This is a very important chapter for the development of
the character of Maria Teresa, as we see her in prison and having to face the realities
of punishment, abuse and torture. Based on this, therefore, one of the most important
quotes regarding her identity and development as a character comes at the very end of
the chapter. Having been tortured, the guards look
shame-faced:
Then Bloody Juan gathered up my clothes, but I
wouldn't let him help me. I dressed myself and walked out to the wagon on my own two
feet.
This shows the
defiance, anger and determination of Maria Teresa. Having been tortured in front of
these men, she refuses to receive help from them, instead weakly putting on her own
clothes and walking out "on her own two feet." She has greatly changed from the young
teenager we first met.
Secondly, I would pick a journal
entry that comes towards the beginning of the chapter that talks of how Maria Teresa
faces her fears but chooses not to give into them:
The fear is the worse part. Every time I hear
footsteps coming down the hall, or the clink of the key turning in the lock, I'm tempted
to curl up in the corner like a hurt animal, whimpering, wanting to be safe. But I know
if I do that, I'll be giving in to a low part of myself, and I'll feel even less human.
And that is what they want to do, yes, that is what they want to
do.
Again we see a massive
change in her character. She is showing her courage, fortitude and also her intelligence
in this quote. Although she recognises her fear, she refuses to give into it, because
she understands that she would be "beaten" by the political system which wants her to
yield to fear.
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