My Name Is Emilia del Valle

“If we did write, we should stick to matters of the heart since any incursion into other areas might offend our fathers or husbands.”

Emilia frequently points out the irony of men’s sensitivity toward women’s ability to work when women are so frequently viewed as delicate or fragile. Her work as a journalist pushes against societal expectations for women in the 19th century, despite both men’s and women’s attempts to stop her from continuing in her career. This quote, early in the novel, establishes The Trials of Womanhood and Work in the 19th Century as a significant theme of the narrative.

“The hotel had illusions of respectability; when they handed me the key, they proudly informed me that the mattresses were free of bedbugs.”

Here, Allende establishes the fact that the appearance of respectability is especially important in the 19th century. Everyone is expected to behave within the set standards for their race, class, and gender. Businesses, too, try to craft an image that they are respectable and meant for a respectable set of patrons.

“Being a woman is a serious inconvenience to success in general and particularly in a profession dominated by men.”

Emilia is rightfully frustrated throughout the novel when her gender interferes with her ability to do her work. She recognizes the double standard between women and men in the 19th century, pressing against it when she can. Her wry tone indicates that while she recognizes this issue and takes it seriously, she also understands its inherent