How Is Violence Shown In The House Of The Spirits

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Violence is an act that can affect everyone around them, mentally, verbally, and physically. In House of the Spirits, by Isabel Allende, she explores the concept of violence being destructive in Esteban’s actions, politics, and relationships, illustrating the need for healing. In the house of Tres Marias, one of the prominent forms of violence can be seen as domestic violence, shown in a specific character, Esteban Trueba, being depicted as physically and emotionally abusive towards his wife, Clara, his daughter, Blanca, and Pancha. His violent outbursts create fear and tension in the household. For instance, in the book, there is a scene in chapter 6, page 223, where he gets a rush of adrenaline and loses his self-control,”...but a wave of blood immediately rushes to his …show more content…

Esteban uses violence to have control and power over everyone around him, like his family, causing psychological harm and fear. This makes him become trapped in a cycle of control, leading him to loneliness, unhappiness, and consequences. To emphasize more on how violence affects different characters, Esteban affects his daughter, Blanca. Throughout the novel, Blanca struggles to adapt her love for her father with the pain he has inflicted upon her, reflecting the complex dynamics of familial relationships through violence and control. With the discovery of Blanca’s and Pedro Tercero Garcia’s relationship, Esteban chooses to send her away as a form of punishment and control. This implies that he will do anything in his power to control his family and influence dominance. In another instance, Esteban shows violence toward her as he brutally beats Blanca. He repeats “I’m going to kill them both” but then sees Blanca returning to the house with a happy look, “Esteban Trueba was unable to restrain his evil character and he charged her with his horse, whip in the air, beating her mercilessly, lash upon lash, until the girl fell flat and rigid to the ground.

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