Juan Rulfo Religion

Life After Religion In Juan Rulfo’s Pedro Paramo, a central theme is life after death. Death permeates the entire novel, both in literal and figurative senses. This theme is a perfect reflection of Mexican culture because death is much more significant in Latino culture and is even given it’s own celebration. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, death is literally defined as a permanent cessation of all vital functions: the end of life, but death, of course, also has figurative and philosophical connotation. To some death is not a physical destruction but a spiritual one. As the saying goes, one might already be “dead on the inside.” To others death is not an end but a beginning. Christians define death not as an end of one’s life,

The people are hopeful but the novel reflects them as condemned to fail. Like purgatory, Comala has a fatalistic atmosphere even though there is still chance for success. In Comala some are able to leave. The saint’s tell Dorotea that she must wait a while more, suggesting that there is an event that shall come afterwards. In Christian belief, these souls do not return. In the novel, the incestuous sisters tell Juan that her brother may not return, as that is what they all do. This confirms the possibility of being able to leave Comala and not return afterwards. Of course not everyone leaves. Damiana states she is still surprised that Eduviges continues to wander like a lost soul. Again serving as another confirmation that there is an alternative besides Comala. Damiana advises Juan to “think nice thoughts, because we’re going to be a long time here in the ground.” The purpose of Comala is to be a mediation point between salvation and damnation, just as purgatory does. Again just like a comal, tortillas are removed when they are

It is an opportunity to cleanse one’s soul of all sin to either achieve eternal peace or decline one’s soul farther into hell. Although, Comala serves as a second opportunity to purify one’s soul, not everyone is able to leave. To achieve eternal peace, self-reflection is necessary. In the case of the incestuous siblings, they have not repented for any of their sins. Instead they blame each other for their own sins. The sister remarks that it is her brother’s fault for making her his. Father Renteria’s soul also sees no salvation but instead seems to further deteriorate. Father Renteria deteriorated when he became corrupt with money. He loathed Miguel Paramo but in exchange for money, he granted absolution for Miguel Paramo for all his sins. He began to use his title to receive cash in exchange for absolution. Because Maria Dyada was not able to pay she was not given forgiveness. Soon a father in Contla scolds him and his status is deteriorated. He tells Dorotea that she will not go to heaven now. Because of this, some souls do manage to cleanse themselves through grace by rejecting the Father’s