¿Cómo era la estructura familiar en ese momento histórico? y ¿Qué importancia tenía la religión en ese tiempo?¿Se refleja en la obra?

The family structure is extended, including both biological family and adopted family in the form of workers at ther hacienda.

Religion is important in that many of the characters change or turn away from their religions based upon life experiences. Simon is Catholic, but he turns away from certain aspects of the religion in his desire to marry a Jew. Mary is a Jew and forced to convert to Christianity by Ephraim's parents when she goes to live with them.