The Futility in Attempting to Change Others
In Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon, Gabriela and Nacib fall in love and Nacib attempts to shape the free and strong-willed Gabriela into a dutiful housewife and cook. When Gabriela refuses domesticity and monogamy, Nacib dissolves their marriage and fires her from her position. However, her cooking skills and beauty accounted for much of his bar’s success. With Gabriela gone, his business falters, and Nacib realizes how much he misses her. Gabriela represents the history and soul of the land that has been colonized by the Spanish. She represents the roots of the freer side of Brazil.
Cultural Tradition and Oppression
Nacib, in accordance with the relatively recently created traditional laws of Brazil, could have killed Gabriela for sleeping with other men. However, he knows that he loves her and cannot bring himself to do such a thing. Instead, Nacib and Gabriela eventually return to each other, and Gabriela resumes her position cooking her wonderful food and is no longer bound to a monogamous relationship. She is free to express her affection to Nacib as well as others. The decision on Nacib’s part to accept Gabriela represents personal growth and change and is a microcosm of the change that is beginning to be seen across the country.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.