Essay Questions

What was the source of personal escape for Carolina amidst the life of poverty?

Writing was Carolina's escape from her life of poverty. She seeks pleasure only by writing different things and she wanted to publish her work as well. She contacts different publishers in this regard and gets her work published in the end. While writing, she feels herself living the life of her dreams. She says, "When I write I think I live in a golden castle that shines in the sunlight." Carolina does not get tired of writing or striving to publish her works. It was the only escapement from her miserable life.

What were the political views of Carolina?

Carolina had a preference for the communist system. While living in the filthy conditions, where no one was there to support her, she takes much interest in the politics. She visits Congress' office and takes part in several political campaigns. She raises her voice for the poor people and resents the individuals who creates hardships for them. She was in favour of communism because she thinks the individual members of government intentionally hurt the poor class through different means. She resents a politician, Dr. Adhemar because he increases the fare of public transport. Carolina considers this act as vengeance against her people.

Why does Carolina not marry anyone?

Carolina does not marry anyone because she was afraid of the married life which most of the people were living around her. She believes that like all other marriages, she will also end up living a hurtful life. Manuel proposes her but she refuses her proposal although he was a suitable man for her. She says that she wants to live her life like a cat. "The cat is a wise one. She doesn’t have any deep loves and doesn’t let anyone make a slave of her."

What kind of life does Carolina live?

Carolina lives a miserable life amidst poverty but she never gets disappointed. She gets up in the morning and goes in search of food for her children. She wanders in the streets and checks the garbage for her necessities. The book begins with an endeavor of finding shoes for her child. The people in her neighborhood were not cooperative instead, they escalates her miseries by abusing and accusing her children. She was suffering because of not having anything to feed her family but she doesn't give up. She continues writing and strives to publish her work. She takes part in political activities and doesn't allow her circumstances to deprive her of hope. She always dreams of living a better life away from the ghetto, and she succeeds in fulfilling her desire.