. . it made no difference if they studied medicine or had the right to vote, because they would not have the strength to do it, but she herself [Nivea] was not brave enough to be among the first to give up the fashion.” (6, Ch 1)The women in this society are dependant on the dominant male figure to handle political and economical duties. This point of view is intended to mimic the older generation of women ad present a foundation for the growth of an enlightened generation. Allende uses this excerpt to present a foundation of structure to the novel by beginning with the extremes of opinion, which are followed in the novel through different generations. Alba for example, become a very outspoken activist by trying to attend the student protests and follow Miguel on his demonstrations, a sharp contrast to the indifference or shallowness found in her great grandmother.“It was the custom then for women and children not to attend funerals, which were considered a male province.” (34, Ch 1) Allende utilizes this quote to demonstrate a beginning of plot development by showing elements of a patriarchal society and present the past limitations of women as lower class members of this society. This point of view also is seen from a narrator that exists in the future and is reflecting on past customs and while doing so insinuates that this class limitation will go through change and possible elimination during the course of the novel. It begins a structural approach of presenting to the reader a metamorphosis of women’s role in society through time. “I would never find another woman [Rosa] with her green hair and underwater beauty.” (35, Ch 1)Green is the color the ocean and a symbol of blossoming and awakening while water is pure and innocent. It has a middling quality and mediates between two extremes, or two political standpoints (Socialism and Conservatism). Life ascends from red and blossoms in green, a f...
