Saint Emmanuel the Good, Martyr

“And God be with you, reader, until we meet again, and may He grant that you meet yourself.”

The closing line of the Prologue utilizes direct address and a benediction to forge a personal connection with the reader, setting a reflective tone for the narrative. This invocation of God as a companion on the journey toward self-discovery underscores the existential themes of the novella, emphasizing the importance of introspection and the quest for personal truth.

“If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people to be pitied.”

This biblical reference to St Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:19 underscores the existential dilemma faced by the characters—particularly the tension between earthly existence and eternal hopes. By integrating this scripture, Unamuno invites readers to contemplate the depth of their own faith and the ethical implications of believing in an afterlife at the expense of a temporal one.

“What luck, girl, being able to live near a saint, a living saint of flesh and blood, and to kiss his hand!”

The encounter highlights the theme of isolation amidst superficial connections, as Angela feels loneliness rather than fulfillment from a friendship that lacks depth. The acquaintance’s exclamation about Angela’s “luck” in living near a “living saint” contrasts with Angela’s unsatisfied longing for meaningful relationships, underscoring her emotional and spiritual disconnect from those around her, who do not perceive the complexities beneath the surface of their community’s revered figure. This moment emphasizes the contrast between external perceptions of sanctity and the internal quest for genuine connection and understanding.

“It was as if they were hearing our Lord Jesus Christ himself, as if the voice issues from the old crucifix at whose feet so many generations of mothers had laid their afflictions.”

The comparison of Don Manuel’s voice to that of Jesus Christ and the imagery of women laying their afflictions at the foot of a symbolic crucifix foreshadow Don Manuel’s Christlike role within the community. This not only elevates Don Manuel to a saintly figure who embodies the community’s hopes and sorrows, but also subtly predicts his sacrificial role and the spiritual solace he provides, mirroring Christ’s redemptive suffering.

“Make sure that God has forgiven you, for that is the only thing that matters.”

Don Manuel’s advice to someone who has committed a crime highlights his complex character and beliefs about The Utility and Morality of Deception. Despite his own disbelief, he prioritizes the criminal’s peace and potential happiness, valuing the comfort that faith can provide over the truth.

“Most people didn’t want to die unless they were clinging on to Don Manuel’s hand like an anchor.”

The quote foreshadows Blasillo’s death, emphasizing Don Manuel’s role as a spiritual and emotional pillar for the community. This imagery underscores the deep trust and reliance the villagers place in him, highlighting his profound impact as both a comforting presence and a symbol of faith amidst the existential uncertainties of life and death.

“That’s [the old abbey by the lake] where the cell of the priest known as Father Captain is, and it is said that there are still drops of blood splashed on its walls from when he scourged himself.”

The reference to scourging having taken place at the spot Don Manuel visits deepens the theme of self-sacrifice and penance. This imagery invokes the Christian tradition of physical atonement and mirrors the psychological torment Don Manuel endures; the location symbolizes his suffering and constant sacrifice.

“And tell him he will find the lake and the mountain just as he left them.”

Don Manuel’s request for Angela to inform Lázaro that nothing has changed incorporates Unamuno’s concept of intrahistory, emphasizing the enduring, unchanged nature of the natural landscape against the backdrop of human lives and their transient struggles. Here, the permanence of the physical world contrasts with the evolving inner lives of the characters.

“But what have people been saying about me? What stories have you heard?”

Don Manuel’s anxious response to Angela’s tears and fearful questioning reveals his vulnerability. This moment humanizes him, showcasing his fears of misunderstanding and gossip, and invites sympathy by highlighting the burden of maintaining his saintly facade amidst personal doubts.

“It seems to me, Angelita, what with going to Confession so much, you’re going to turn into a nun on me.”

Angela’s mother’s observation foreshadows Angela’s deepening devotion to Don Manuel and his teachings. This comment hints at Angela’s future spiritual path, reflecting her growing commitment to Don Manuel and his transformative influence in her life.

“I thirsted for the sight of the waters of the lake, hungered for the sight of the peaks of the mountain; above all, I felt the lack of my Don Manuel.”

Angela’s longing intertwines physical desires (hunger and thirst) with spiritual needs, echoing biblical language of spiritual hunger and thirst. This craving underscores her deep emotional and spiritual connection to both the landscape and Don Manuel, highlighting Unamuno’s concept of intrahistory, in which personal and communal narratives are inseparable from their physical surroundings.

“[A]nd as for the countryside! The countryside! This feudal countryside…”

This comment underscores the ideological divide between progressivism and conservatism, mirroring Spain’s broader historical context of tension and transformation. Lázaro’s use of “feudal” as a negative term highlights his desire for modernization and change and contrasts with Don Manuel’s influence, which maintains the status quo within the village.

“Dip your finger in holy water, as someone said, and you’ll end up believing.”

Don Manuel’s advice to Lázaro is ironic given his own disbelief in God. This statement reflects his conviction that going through the motions of faith can foster genuine belief, mirroring his hopes for Angela and her reciprocal hopes for him.

“We parted […] I to spend the night weeping, praying for the conversion of my brother and of Don Manuel, and he, Lázaro, to I don’t quite know what.”

Angela’s admission underscores her selfless, maternal love. This act of sacrificial devotion highlights her prioritization of Don Manuel and Lázaro’s spiritual well-being over her personal concerns, embodying a deep compassion and commitment to their salvation.

“And I want to believe that he tormented himself because he couldn’t deceive himself in order to deceive me.”

Angela’s reflection reveals her desire to ease Don Manuel’s spiritual burden and her hope that her presence positively influenced him. Angela’s willingness to share his burden exemplifies her deep empathy and underscores the intricate dynamics of their relationship, driven by mutual care and the desire for truth.

“What a man!”

Lázaro’s reaction to Don Manuel’s struggles and suicidal thoughts reflects a scholarly fascination rather than empathetic concern, highlighting the difference in how he and Angela relate to Don Manuel’s secrets.

“Have you seen, Lázaro, a greater mystery than that of the snow falling on the lake and dying in it while it covers the mountain with its hood?”

Don Manuel’s observation connects to the concept of intrahistory, underscoring how natural phenomena and the landscape embody enduring, silent narratives that parallel human existence. Through this reflection, Don Manuel highlights the profound, often overlooked, mysteries inherent in the natural world, inviting a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of life, death, and the environment.

“I have not come to subject the poor to the rich or to preach that the rich should submit to the poor.”

Don Manuel’s statement to Lázaro reflects his nonpartisan approach to social issues, emphasizing his role as a spiritual leader over that of a political activist. He focuses on spiritual salvation and unity within the community rather than engaging in the class struggle or advocating for socioeconomic reforms.

“That means he is seeing it.”

The villagers’ interpretation of Don Manuel closing his eyes as witnessing Heaven is ironic given both his disbelief in the afterlife and the fact that one cannot literally see anything with closed eyes. This moment highlights the contrast between the villagers’ faith in Don Manuel’s spiritual vision and the reality of his skepticism, underlining the disconnect between public perception and personal conviction.

“And as Calderón said, to have done good, and to have feigned good, are not lost, even in dreams.”

Don Manuel’s reference to Calderón underscores the value of moral actions irrespective of the afterlife’s existence. This statement highlights the intrinsic worth of goodness and the impact of virtuous deeds on earthly life, suggesting that the significance of one’s actions persists even if there is no eternal reward.

“Forgive me any wrong I may have done to you without meaning to and without knowing I did.”

Don Manuel’s last sermon humanizes him and reveals his deep-seated guilt and concern. This plea for forgiveness underscores his moral integrity and the weight of responsibility he feels for his congregation, reflecting his awareness of the complex impact of his actions and teachings on others.

“My brother kept his breviary, between whose pages he found, dried and as if it were in a herbarium, a little carnation stuck to a piece of paper, and on the paper was a cross with a date.”

The carnation preserved in Don Manuel’s breviary symbolizes love and personal memory, reflecting an approach to spirituality that values emotional connections over traditional rituals. The cross and date mark a significant moment in Don Manuel’s life, linking personal memories (via the carnation) to his faith journey and suggesting a blend of personal significance with spiritual symbolism.

“Don’t worry, sister. It’s another lake that’s calling me; it’s another mountain.”

Lázaro’s reply to Angela shifts the focus from her concern about suicidal ideation to a metaphorical search influenced by Don Manuel. His mention of seeking “another” lake and mountain symbolizes his quest for deeper understanding, moving beyond physical places to the complexities of faith and illustrating Don Manuel’s influence.