I will examine the social forces and historical conflicts that surround Miranda in order to highlight his character as a victim of the corrupt underbelly of Barcelona society and its allusions to Francoist Spain. I will also focus on …show more content…
Not only does María Coral engage in sexual encounters with Lepprince, but Miranda is helpless under the threat of Max’s pistol: “No nos gustan los niños fisgones” (p. 368). This horrendous experience of betrayal forces Miranda’s imagination into a childlike state: “mi padre me llevaba por primera vez al colegio” (p. 368). The two images of childhood and adultery are juxtaposed to stress Miranda’s position as a victim of the sinister power of the wealthy.
Additionally, Miranda’s doubts about the existence and authenticity of love are revealed in his conversation with Perico Serramadriles: “A medida que pasa el tiempo más me convenzo de que el amor es pura teoría” (p. 285). This underlines the sad reality of the meticulous organisation of society in which disturbing ulterior motives drive the formation of relationships and love is a façade used for personal gain. This is particularly prominent in Lepprince’s callous pursuit of María Rosa Savolta for social power: “Lepprince me comunicó que se casaba” (p.