Discussion questions 4/11/12

1). Throughout this story, many of the men are abusive to women (both emotionally an physically) and the women accept it or can be drawn to their abuser. What were Diaz's motives? Was it to bare the frailties existing between the genders or simply to demonstrate the effects on females trapped within a patriarchal society? 2). I question Oscar's true intentions when he returned to santo domingo to find Ybon. He knew he would be killed if the captain discovered his return. Diaz suggests that the opportunity for love overrides any fear, but I wonder whether Oscar went back because he wanted to die, and perhaps that is why he makes the reckless decision to return and put his life in mortal danger. In the end, was it a suicide or murder (or perhaps a little of both)?