The House of the Spirits Thesis

Allende uses the relationship between Esteban and Clara to portray opposing opinions throughout the novel. Clara represents a dreamer, while Esteban is the more down to Earth candidate of the two. In politics, Clara has the more liberal point of view while Esteban's disposition leans fervently toward conservatism. Contrast is shown between the two in the aspect of maternal and paternal roles as well. The role of Clara as a mother and wife is fairly typical of that time period. Esteban is a stereotypical old-fashioned father figure and husband.

Clara's spiritual personality often clashes with Esteban's more corporeal opinions. Although it would seem that Clara should be less influential and more shadowed by Esteban's strong personality, both characters are able to make large differences in the world around them by using two very opposite techniques. "Clara let him scream his head off and bang on the furniture until he was exhausted. Then, inattentive as ever, she asked him if he knew how to wiggle his ears." (106) Clara attracts people to her by having an abstract and interesting personality. She gains the trust and admiration of those around her because while she seems passive and absent to the world, she is set in her ways and has no interest in conforming to alternative lifestyles. Esteban has a dominating personality and is more forceful in his dealings with other people. He wants others to conform to his ways of thinking and his beliefs and doesn't develop any type of emotional attachment to most people. These two opposing roles come together in a marriage and create an intricate conflict which both draws the reader and gives insight into two viewpoints.

Note: I realize I should have more quotes to support my claims toward each individuals personalities, but I couldn't figure out a way to do that without making the paragraph look too quotey.