Power and Control

The nature of power reveals itself first within Neftalí's own home. Father is the head of the family and thus the home, enforcing his will upon his family. Rodolfo introduces this notion to young Neftalí, explaining that Father is only happy when "he is the boss and everyone must follow his orders" (42). This provides the definition of what power means: control. Father's control over his family manifests as his requirement for them to "be what he wants" and remain "at his mercy" (44). This elicits anxiety and a sense of betrayal from his children, who wish to please him at the expense of relinquishing their identities. This is exacerbated by his insistence upon speaking for Neftalí instead of allowing him to express his internal world: "How did father know what Neftalí would become when he did not know himself?” (105). Father's control is abusive. He...