The novel’s setting in the mines of Socrates plays a crucial role in the elaboration of the novel’s major themes. Discuss how the descriptions of the mines contribute to one of the major themes in the novel.

The Centeno family, Sofía, Francisco, Manuel, Florentina, and Teodoro each represent a different outlook on the notion of charitable goodness. What informs each of these views on charitable goodness? How do they contrast from one another? Which view does the author of the novel seem to support the most?

Nela often proclaims, “I am of no use at all” (21). Discuss the origin of this sentiment and how her sense of self-worth develops throughout the novel. How does this sentiment contribute to the novel’s escalating tensions?