Violeta

Feminism is a common theme seen across many of Allende’s works, and Violeta is no exception. Throughout the book, Allende explores the place of women in their homes and in the world through the different women characters that inhabit the story. Violeta’s character arc, in particular, presents the place of feminism in an individual’s journey.

Violeta was born into a time that saw restrictive social norms and ideas about women. However, her family appears to be more liberal and progressive than others, if not in ideology and political affiliation, then in their behavior. For instance, she has her aunt Pilar as an example of a gender nonconforming woman, rejecting feminine activities and accouterments, who is nevertheless valued as a member within the family and society. Josephine and Teresa, who later enter Violeta’s life, are even more radical examples, through not just the relationship they share with each other, but also their outspoken political activities. Despite these examples around her, Violeta is still a product of her time, and is bound by certain ideas about a woman’s life, especially pertaining to marriage. She marries Fabian despite her lack of love for him because she believes it is the only socially appropriate thing to do.