A recurring theme in Allende's work is patriarchy, which refers to a societal structure where men set all the rules, thereby exerting control over women and children. This is exemplified early in the story through Jeremy's control of the Sommers household. The theme is further emphasized by Agustín del Valle's harsh treatment of his employees and his daughter, Pauline, who tries to defy him. Allende's message is clear: despite the men's rigidity, the women eventually find ways to assert their own agency. In the second and third sections, Eliza continues this defiance against patriarchy as she seeks her identity and independence. To do this, she dresses in men's clothing, immerses herself in their world, and effectively competes with them. She succeeds but eventually realizes her true self and tires of the pretense. By embracing her femininity again, she gains both confidence and independence.

The novel explores various forms of love, often contrasting them to emphasize their differences. For instance, Rose's affection for Eliza is vastly different from Mama Fresia's love. Rose's love resembles a child's attachment to a doll; she delights in dressing Eliza and showcasing her. She also uses Eliza to better her own existence, guiding her to avoid the errors Rose herself made in her youth. Conversely, Mama Fresia loves Eliza for her true self and seeks to help her grow strong and resilient.

Eliza encounters conflicting forms of love. Initially, she is smitten with Joaquín at first sight and experiences her first sexual encounter with him. Driven by her emotions, she follows him to California, only to realize she scarcely knows him. As she matures and becomes more independent, she comes to understand that her deep friendship with Tao signifies a more meaningful love. When Joaquín dies, she notes that she feels liberated, as though freed from her obsession with him.

Tao Chi'en's early love is with his wife, Lin. Although their relationship seems more genuine than the one Eliza and Joaquín share, Tao initially chooses Lin because of her small feet. Her feet were bound in childhood to prevent growth, adhering to an ancient Chinese tradition. Tao later learns that this practice actually harmed Lin's health. Because of her crippled feet, Lin becomes more dependent on Tao. Over time, Tao comes to value the mature relationship he shares with Eliza, a woman who learned to be self-reliant.

Rose encounters two distinct types of love. She passionately falls for Karl Bretzner, but their intense affair is brief since Bretzner is already married. Overwhelmed by this passion, Rose feels she needs no other love from any man. Although she has numerous other admirers, they all seem trivial compared to her experience with Bretzner. For instance, Jacob Todd loves Rose for no apparent reason, and the young suitor Michael Steward is a fool whose attention Rose finds alarming.

The novel frequently explores the theme of medicine, illustrated through different cultural perspectives. Mama Fresia, a member of an indigenous Chilean tribe, heals Eliza with potions and spells. Tao, who is trained in traditional Chinese medicine, uses herbs, plants, and acupuncture to treat his patients. He develops a friendship with Ebanizer Hobbs, a doctor educated in Western medicine, who is more familiar with exploratory surgery than natural remedies. Tao aspires to learn Western medical techniques from Hobbs to improve his skills, resulting in a blend of these two medical approaches.

Allende, Isabel, Daughter of Fortune, HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 1999.

Clark, Alex, "Rags from Riches," published in the Guardian on November 13, 1999.

Cruz, Jacqueline, along with Jacqueline Mitchell, Silvia Pellarolo, and Javier Rangel, contributed "A Sniper...