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Petrocinio Menchú Tum
Candelaria, Rigoberta’s friend and fellow maid in Guatemala City, was outspoken and strong-willed. She introduced Rigoberta to the notion that, instead of enduring their mistress’s condescending, racist comments in silence, they could resist in a variety of ways. For example, they could talk back or refuse to do certain tasks. Candelaria had the advantage of speaking Spanish, which she bravely utilized as a means of defending Rigoberta and herself. When Rigoberta’s father asked his daughter for money to return to their village after a visit in the capital, Candelaria intervened, forcing the mistress to pay Rigoberta. Her solidarity and generosity toward her coworker played an important role in introducing Rigoberta to the idea that, despite their vulnerable position as servants, they could challenge authority figures by uniting and defending their dignity. This taught Rigoberta that vulnerable workers could achieve power when they joined forces, which influenced her belief in the value of collective organization in the face of government oppression.
Candelaria Quotes in I, Rigoberta Menchú
The I, Rigoberta Menchú quotes below are all either spoken by Candelaria or refer to Candelaria. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 14
Quotes
When I saw the maid bring out the dog’s food – bits of meat, rice, things that the family ate—and they gave me a few beans and hard tortillas, that hurt me very much. The dog had a good meal and I didn’t deserve as good a meal as the dog. Anyway, I ate it, I was used to it. I didn’t mind not having the dog’s food because at home I only ate tortillas with chile or with salt or water. But I felt rejected. I was lower than the animals in the house.
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Candelaria Quotes in I, Rigoberta Menchú
The I, Rigoberta Menchú quotes below are all either spoken by Candelaria or refer to Candelaria. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 14
Quotes
When I saw the maid bring out the dog’s food – bits of meat, rice, things that the family ate—and they gave me a few beans and hard tortillas, that hurt me very much. The dog had a good meal and I didn’t deserve as good a meal as the dog. Anyway, I ate it, I was used to it. I didn’t mind not having the dog’s food because at home I only ate tortillas with chile or with salt or water. But I felt rejected. I was lower than the animals in the house.
Related Characters:
Related Symbols:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
