Oppression

Oppression is a very strong theme in this book, and it is demonstrated to exist in several different areas of the Uruguayan culture. There is the oppression of females from the rules set by the patriarchal society, which encourages its females to gain an education but sets double standards for other aspects of the women's lives. For instance, to have sex before a woman is married is not only discouraged, it is grounds for punishment, possibly a beating. However, it is standard practice for men to have sex before marriage. Not only that, it is common for most married men to have one or more mistresses. For women, once they are married, they are encouraged to stay home; some are even told they must stay in the house all day and are not allowed out unless accompanied by their husbands.

Landowners, at the time of this story, rule...