Laura, a twenty-two- year old North American woman, is living in Mexico and earning a living working for the self-absorbed leader of a revolution, Braggioni (braggart). He courts her by coming to her home in the evening and singing to her, although she manages to resist his sexual advances. He is a powerful and cruel man, and she must tolerate his attentions even though she is holding on to her virginity, determined that she will yield only if her life depends on it. His musical talents are poor, but she passively sits and listens to his annoying love songs. He has moved out of his home and away from his wife for a month while he courts Laura.

He is overweight and disgusting to her, not her concept of what a revolutionist should be. He affords luxury for himself even though he is leading a...