Rigoberta’s Grandfather Character Analysis

Rigoberta’s grandfather, whom Rigoberta believes might still be alive at the time of her recounting, often shared stories with his grandchildren about the history of their Maya-Quiché community. He recalled growing up when slavery was legal and working as a slave for a white landowner. He often contrasted his childhood (when, according to him, Indians lived past 100 years) to the present problems that afflict Indigenous people, causing them to die around 50 or 60. He attributed such negative developments to detrimental aspects of modern life, such as chemicals and mechanization. Rigoberta’s grandfather invoked their Indian ancestors’ resistance to the Spanish colonizers in order to justify using violence as self-defense against brutal ladino landowners. His embrace of violence as resistance sparked debates among Rigoberta’s relatives, as each member of the family decided for themselves how best to take part in the struggle against Guatemala’s oppressive government. Rigoberta’s grandfather’s insistence on violent self-defense sought to overturn racist stereotypes that Indian people were stupid, lazy, and cowardly, and to ensure his people’s survival.