Marry clara essay

One of them was Maria Clara. Maria Clara is a mestiza and the childhood sweetheart of the novel’s protagonist, Crisostomo Ibarra. Rizal created her as the ideal image of “ the purity and innocence of a sheltered native (Filipino) woman during the Spanish occupation.”

These women are also likened to Maria Clara, noting they are examples of a traditional Filipina. However, there are cons to being considered “Maria Clara.” This stereotype was brought onto us by the Spaniards, who colonized us for 333 years, because it’s said that their ideal woman is religious, submissive, and obedient.

According to Dr. Robert Yoder’s article “ Philippine Heroines of the Revolution: Maria Clara they were not ,” Maria Clara was placed “on the pedestal of male honor.” Towards the end of the novel, Maria Clara begged Padre Damaso (a priest who raped her mother and eventually conceived her) to enter her in a convent.

It’s true Maria Clara is also seen as a role model for Filipinas who are surviving after the abuse and violence they experienced from men. Remember: It was also implied she was raped by Padre Salvi, a Spanish priest, while she was in the convent.