Women and Alcohol in a Highland Maya Town Literary Elements

Fiction

The book is set in Tzotzil Township Chiapas, Mexico.

The first-person narrative from a feminine perspective

Mordant, satirical, apprehensive, sanguine

Jesus Christ is the protagonist of the story, while the Devil is the antagonist.

The major conflict comes when alcohol deviates from its purpose in the community. For instance, men started drinking and avoided engaging in productive activities. Women were burdened with the responsibility of providing for their families because husbands became drunk and unproductive due to drinking alcohol.

The climax comes when women overcome the complexities of gender-based violence and successfully fights for their rights.

The 1994 rebellion foreshadowed the women’s participation in revolutionary changes.

Alcohol drinking is understated in Maya Town because taking alcohol is perceived as an act of serving God. Besides serving God, Alcohol empowers people and enhances unity. More importantly, the ritual drinking awakened women to fight for their rights.

The story alludes to the efforts of women to fight gender-based violence. The recognition of women in society does not come easily because they have to engage in a rebellion to ensure the anticipated revolutionary changes are achieved.

Taste imagery is depicted when the narrator describes how Jesus blessed rum. The narrator says, “He blessed it with his left hand because he didn’t want to bless it with his whole heart. He had already tried it, and the rum was a little bad.” The imagery enlightens readers because the rum in place was cursed because the Devil had already interfered with it.

The main paradox is that the men in Highland Maya Town empower them. Still, on the contrary, after consuming alcohol, they become unproductive economically, leaving the burden of raising the family to their wives.

The 1994 rebellion parallels women’s efforts to fight against gender-based violence.

The phrase 'Ritual drinking' defines the gender roles in Highland Maya Town.

Alcohol is incarnated when the author says that it empowers people and fosters unity in the community.