Of the Calle De La Machincuepa
The narrative unfolds in colonial Mexico, centering on a wealthy and noble gentleman, Don Mendo Quiroga y Saurez, who rises from humble beginnings as a sailor to become the Marques del Valle Salado through dubious means, including piracy. As he ages, he brings his niece, Dona Paz, from Spain to care for him, showering her with wealth and luxury. Despite her beauty and status, Dona Paz exhibits a cruel and selfish nature, neglecting her uncle in his old age. Upon Don Mendo's death, his will reveals a shocking condition for her inheritance of his vast fortune: she must perform a public act of humiliation, bowing and executing a "machincuepa" in the Plaza Mayor while dressed in her finest attire. This stipulation is intended to make her confront the shame of her past behavior towards him. Dona Paz grapples with the decision, torn between her pride and the allure of wealth. As the deadline approaches, she remains indecisive, while the local religious orders anticipate inheriting Don Mendo's fortune. Ultimately, on the final day, she arrives at the Plaza Mayor, pale and apprehensive, but fulfills the condition, bowing and performing the required act. The story concludes with her achieving her inheritance but at the cost of her dignity, leading to the street where she lived being named after her act of shame. The tale serves as a commentary on pride, morality, and the consequences of one's actions, encapsulated in the cultural significance of the "machincuepa."
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1898 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 2,977 words
First lines
Naturally, Senor, this matter which gave its name to the Calle de la Machincuepa created a scandal that set all the tongues in the City to buzzing about it: every one, of course, blaming the young lady -- even though she did it to win such vast riches -- for committing so publicly so great an impropriety; but some holding that a greater blame attached to the Marques, her uncle, for punishing her -- no matter how much she deserved punishment -- by making her inheritance depend upon so strange and so outrageous a condition; and some even saying that the greatest blame of all rested upon the Viceroy: because he did not forbid an indecorum that was planned to -- and that did -- take place in the Plaza Mayor directly in front of his Palace, and so beneath his very nose. For myself, Senor, I think that the young lady deserved more blame than anybody: because she was free to make her own choice in the matter, and that she chose riches rather than propriety very clearly proved -- though that, to be sure, was known before she did her choosing -- that she had a bad heart. As the Viceroy who did not forbid that young lady to do what she did do was the Duque de Linares -- who, as you know, Senor, took up the duties of his high office in the year 1714 -- you will perceive that the curious event about which I now am telling you occurred very nearly two full centuries ago.
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Calle De La Machincuepa is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas A. Janvier, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Adventure
- Length: 2,977 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for Of the Calle De La Machincuepa by Thomas A. Janvier
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context, exploring themes of wealth, social status, and morality in colonial Mexico.
- Drama — The narrative focuses on intense personal and social conflicts, particularly the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Dona Paz.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and values, particularly regarding wealth, propriety, and the consequences of one's choices.
- Tragedy — The story involves a downfall resulting from pride and selfishness, leading to a bitter resolution for the main character.
Tags
historical · fiction · urban · New York · immigration · cultural · identity · community · struggle · family · adventure · relationships