Of the Aduana De Santo Domingo
The narrative centers on Don Juan Gutierrez Rubin de Celis, a wealthy and apathetic nobleman who unexpectedly falls in love with the beautiful and sensible Dona Sara de Garcia Somera y Acuna. Despite his laziness, his passion for her ignites a newfound energy. Dona Sara, aware of his shortcomings, contemplates the advantages of marrying him due to his wealth and status but is hesitant because of their age difference and his lack of ambition. The turning point occurs when the Viceroy, a relative of Dona Sara, appoints Don Juan as the Prior of the Consulado, a position that allows him to oversee the long-delayed construction of the Aduana de Santo Domingo. Recognizing an opportunity to test Don Juan's character, Dona Sara proposes that she will marry him only if he completes the Aduana within six months. Motivated by his love, Don Juan accepts the challenge and transforms from a lethargic nobleman into a fervent leader. He mobilizes laborers, architects, and resources, working tirelessly to meet the deadline. His determination and newfound vigor astonish the city, as he not only meets the deadline but finishes the building three days early. To commemorate his achievement and express his devotion, Don Juan inscribes a message on the Aduana that subtly incorporates Dona Sara's initials. His success in completing the project proves that beneath his laziness lies a profound capacity for energy and commitment. Satisfied with his transformation, Dona Sara agrees to marry him, affirming that her initial doubts were unfounded. The story concludes with the Aduana standing as a testament to Don Juan's capabilities and their union, symbolizing the power of love to inspire change.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1899 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Comedy · 2,290 words
First lines
This gentleman who for love's sake, Senor, conquered his coldness and his laziness and became all fire and energy, was named Don Juan Gutierrez Rubin de Celis. He was a caballero of the Order of Santiago -- some say that he wore also the habit of Calatrava -- and the colonel of the regiment of the Tres Villas. He was of a lovable nature, and ostentatious and arrogant, and in all his ways dilatory and apathetic to the very last degree. So great were his riches that not even he himself knew the sum of them: as you will understand when I tell you that on an occasion of state -- it was the entry into the City in the year 1716 of the new Viceroy, the Marques de Valero -- pearls to the value of thirty thousand pesos were used in the mere trimming of his casacon.[3]
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Of the Aduana De Santo Domingo is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas A. Janvier, dated 1899 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas A. Janvier
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Comedy, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 2,290 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, focusing on the construction of a significant building in Santo Domingo during the colonial period.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Don Juan and Dona Sara, highlighting themes of love and personal transformation.
- Comedy — The story contains humorous elements, particularly in the portrayal of Don Juan's laziness and the absurdity of his situation.
- Adventure — Don Juan's undertaking to complete the Aduana within a tight deadline introduces elements of challenge and personal quest.
Tags
historical fiction · Caribbean · Santo Domingo · colonialism · adventure · exploration · cultural exchange · 19th century · narrative · identity · migration · trade