Analysis Of Ramona

Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson, portrays the wonderful but heart wrenching journey of a young girl named Ramona. Set in Old California during the early 19th century, Ramona has grown up under the care of her distant stepmother, the Senora Moreno. Due to the fact Ramona is the daughter of an Indian and an Irishman, the Senora Moreno finds it impossible to feel compassionate towards the girl, treating her coldly and having no real affection for her whatsoever. Her uncharitable attitude only grows as the book progresses, to the point where it is cruel. This insensitivity eventually drives Ramona to elope with her Indian lover, Alessandro, because the Senora Moreno disapproves of their affection for each other. Leaving the only home she has ever

When Father Salvierderra is visiting the Moreno estate, Ramona comes running to meet him, happily telling him that she knew the Blessed Virgin Mary would bring him to them in time for Mass in the chapel the next morning. Father Salvierderra smiles at her and tells her he wishes more people had faith like hers. Later, when Ramona’s love for Alessandro has been discovered, the Senora grows very angry. She slaps and threatens Ramona, eventually locking the girl in her room out of pure anger. Terrified because she has no idea what the Senora is capable of, Ramona finds herself unable to fall asleep. She then falls asleep on the floor with her hand lying on the statue of the Blessed Virgin, fully trusting in God’s protection from harm. Finally, later on in the story when Ramona and Alessandro are married, Alessandro discovers some cattle of his father’s that he believed to be stolen. He rushes to tell his wife the joyful news, and Ramona calmly tells him that she knew God would take care of them and would not let them starve. Clearly Ramona’s faith not only helps her through many struggles, but shows her strong Catholicism and her willingness to trust in God and his