Of the Calle De La Cruz Verde
The narrative unfolds in a historical setting, focusing on a gentleman named Don Alvaro de Villadiego y Manrique, who arrives in Mexico during the era of the Viceroy. He is depicted as a striking figure, adorned in elegant attire and riding a beautiful Arabian horse. His life takes a transformative turn when he encounters Dona Maria de Aldarafuente y Segura, a young lady of remarkable beauty, while riding past her balcony. Instantly captivated, Don Alvaro falls in love, and although Dona Maria initially conceals her feelings due to her upbringing, she reciprocates his affection. Their courtship is marked by a period of longing, as Dona Maria's strict upbringing limits their interactions. However, when her mother falls ill, Don Alvaro seizes the opportunity to express his love through a letter, proposing a unique method for her to communicate her feelings. He instructs her to hang a cross of dry palm leaves if she does not love him, or a green palm cross if she does. After a suspenseful wait, Dona Maria ultimately displays the green cross, signaling her love. This pivotal moment leads to a swift resolution of their romantic obstacles, facilitated by a mutual friend who is a cleric. Within a fortnight, they are married, pledging their love at the altar. In celebration of their union, Don Alvaro commissions a stone green cross to be carved on the corner of their home, symbolizing their love and the promise of happiness. The story concludes with the enduring presence of the green cross, which not only marks their residence but also gives the street its name, affirming the tale's authenticity and the couple's lasting happiness.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1896 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction · 1,116 words
First lines
This story is not a sad one, Senor, like the others. It is a joyful story of a gentleman and a lady who loved each other, and were married, and lived in happiness together until they died. And it was because of his happiness that the gentleman caused to be carved on the corner of his house, below the balcony on which he saw that day the sign which gave hope to him, this great green cross of stone that is there still.[4]
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Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the love story between Don Alvaro and Dona Maria, highlighting themes of love, commitment, and happiness.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a historical context, referencing the Viceroyalty of Mexico and incorporating period-specific details.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is descriptive and reflective, focusing on character development and emotional depth.
- Folklore — The narrative includes elements of local culture and traditions, resembling a folk tale with moral undertones.
Tags
historical fiction · urban life · New York City · immigration · cultural identity · 19th century · community · family dynamics · social issues · neighborhood · struggles · hope
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Calle De La Cruz Verde is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas A. Janvier, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas A. Janvier
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Folklore, Adventure
- Length: 1,116 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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