Eva Luna Chapters 3 & 4

I am really enjoying the portrayal of femininity and masculinity in the novel. Specifically, the manner in which Eva portrays and views members of either gender. When describing madrina, Eva is very appreciative of the woman's body. "She was an arrogant dark-skinned woman with generous breasts, a well-defined waist, and hips that bulged like a tabletop under her skirts." (Allende 45) Eva continually describes madrina in terms such as these. She is always in admiration of fully-developed female bodies. There is also a sense of great comfort with the bodies of others. When the Professor falls ill, Eva Luna is completely comfortable with assisting in his bedside care. "I washed him, and slipped folded towels beneath his body to prevent his mattress from being soaked with urine; I aired his room, and spooned pap into his mouth." (Allende 51) Eva Luna is comfortable with the bodies of both men and women. Whether this comfort stems from how she was raised, or is somewhat influence by her storytelling is hard to say. I am excited to see what the remainder of the story brings concerning Eva Luna and her relationships both physically and mentally with those around her, male and female. It will also be interesting to see how similar relationships play out in Rolf's life, especially now that his father has died.