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He often got drunk on Saturday afternoons and then he would rave against old age. He would rage against the town on the opposite side of the river which drained a man of his freedom, and he would cry because the war had ruined his dream.
This quotation comes from Chapter 2, as Antonio describes his family dynamics. His father, Gabriel, has a difficult time accepting his life as it is, instead losing himself in dreams. He drinks to escape the reality of his life, but his drunkenness only turns into laments and rants. He doesn’t want to accept his age or the reality that he cannot go to California with his older sons to work the vineyards as he’s dreamed. Most of all, Gabriel mourns the loss of his freedom. Freedom to Gabriel is almost something spiritual, part of the value system of the llano.
There is your life, he said, and he pointed to the llano. So the llano was my school, it was my teacher, it was my first love.
In this quotation from Chapter 6, just before Antonio leaves for school for the first time, Gabriel explains how his own father set him loose on the llano for his education. Even though María is overjoyed with Antonio starting school, Gabriel doesn’t see the American education system as teaching something truly valuable to life. He values experience, freedom, and even danger over systemized book learning. As much as the llano served Gabriel well in his day, he does not recognize the reality that the world has changed and that lifestyle is no longer viable.
I was proud that they would show the true blood of the Márez, but little did I realize that same pride would make them desert me. Gone. We are all wanderers. And I am here alone.
Gabriel makes this lament in Chapter 12, just after Eugene and León leave for Las Vegas. With their departure, Gabriel realizes that his dream of moving to California with his sons will remain forever unrealized. This moment also reveals more negative aspects of Márez culture. While freedom and independence are excellent values, they also can come at the cost of steadiness and community. Eugene and León have no sense of familial responsibility or even loyalty to their father because they care more about their own dreams, which leaves Gabriel alone.
“I know,” my father said. “I have tried to lead my own life, and I have given other men room and respect to live theirs. But I feel I must do this for my friends, so let the bad consequences in your chain of destiny fall on my head.”
Gabriel makes this request of Ultima in Chapter 20, when he learns that his friend Téllez’s home is under attack by restless spirits. Here Gabriel demonstrates that although he values independence highly, he nevertheless understands the importance of community and friendship. Furthermore, he is willing to accept the consequences of fate in order to help his friend. Despite his flaws, Gabriel shows dignity because of his willingness to intervene on behalf of and sacrifice for people he cares about.
Oh, I would have liked to have sent you to the llano, that is the way of life I knew, but I think that way of life is just about gone; it is a dream. Perhaps it is time we gave up a few of our dreams.
Gabriel makes this confession to Antonio in the final chapter, as they drive together to El Puerto. Gabriel acknowledges his mistakes, recognizing that his refusal to move on from his past on the llano has prevented him from living in the moment and furthermore has made him sad. Previously, Antonio feared that growing up meant giving up his dreams. Here, he gets to witness how sometimes giving up your dreams can be for the best. This moment demonstrates Gabriel’s character growth, which in turn serves as an important lesson for Antonio.
