La Luz y Sombra is a novel written by Puerto Rican author, feminist, and suffragist Ana Roque de Duprey in 1903. The story depicted in the text takes place in the author’s home country during the last decade of the 19th century. It tells about the lives of two very close female friends, Matilda and Julia, who present rather interesting views on love, family, and marriage.
The two young girls are involved in marriages arranged by their respective families. Matilda falls in love with her cousin, Paco, and does not want to marry the man who was chosen for her (Roque, 54). Julia, on the other hand, marries Colonel Sevastel due to social convenience and benefit but develops feelings at first sight for a young man named Rafael on the day of her wedding.
Matilda’s story is rather interesting, for, unlike her friend, she chooses her desires over the arranged marriage. Before talking to her mother, the young girl asks for her father’s consent so that she and Paco could get married (Roque, 74). Throughout the story, Matilda is rewarded for her ambitions and independence, which leads to her getting a happy ending. Thus, she is represented by the author as the ideal woman for her period.
Matilda and Julia represent two opposites with two different outcomes in their lives. Julia submits to societal expectations, which leads to her struggling with an unhappy life in a relationship without love. Her passion for Rafael briefly gives her salvation, but he is later murdered in a duel by her husband. The narrative of the story punishes Julia for her submission, filling her life with misfortune (Roque, 93). Matilda, despite rebelling against societal expectations, is rewarded for her actions, which results in her barely experiencing any struggles. The story shows how damaging certain societal norms can be and what may happen if you choose to prioritize them over your happiness.
In conclusion, La Luz y Sombra is a very inspiring novel that depicts two different outcomes caused by different approaches to the same situation. Matilda’s strength and independence guarantee her a life without struggles. Julia’s submission, on the other hand, gives her a grim, loveless life, so she seeks salvation in infidelity. The ending of the story implies that Matilda’s choices are more desirable for women than hers, for the former decides to fight for her happiness.
Work Cited
Roque, Ana. La Luz y Sombra. Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, 1991.