Hatred

Over the course of the novel, the author explores the inherited nature of hatred by tracing Guálinto’s coming of age story and his evolving understanding of himself and his family. The author introduces this thematic consideration in Part I, Chapter 3. After Gumersindo is shot by Texas Rangers, he begs his brother-in-law Feliciano not to tell his son about his death: “Don’t tell him,” he says before dying, “My son. Mustn't know. Ever. No hate, no hate” (21). Gumersindo hopes that if Feliciano keeps the circumstances of his death from Guálinto, Guálinto might grow up without hatred in his heart. Gumersindo, Feliciano, Lupe, and his band of followers have indeed been driven by their hatred for the Gringos throughout their lives. Gumersindo wants to omit this overpowering emotion from his son’s life. Although Feliciano makes the promise to Gumersindo, by Part I...