Of the Calle De La Quemada by Thomas A. Janvier
The narrative unfolds in colonial Mexico, centering on a young woman named Beatrice de Espinosa, who is renowned for her beauty and virtue. Despite numerous suitors, none meet her standards, leading her father to reject their proposals. At a grand ball hosted by the Viceroy, Beatrice encounters Don Martin Scipoli, an Italian nobleman. They fall deeply in love, but his intense jealousy and quarrelsome nature disturb her, raising doubts about the purity of his affection. Beatrice fears that his love is superficial, based solely on her physical beauty, and is troubled by the violence his jealousy incites against her other admirers. In a desperate attempt to test the authenticity of his love and eliminate jealousy, she resolves to disfigure her own beauty. With her father away and the household servants absent, she prepares a brazier of burning coals in her chamber, invoking the spirit of Santa Lucia for strength. In a moment of anguish, Beatrice plunges her face into the coals, sacrificing her beauty to prove the depth of their love. After enduring the pain, she calls for Don Martin, who finds her veiled in white, her face horrifically burned yet her eyes still alive. As she unveils her disfigured visage, he is initially horrified but ultimately filled with joy and gratitude, realizing that his love must transcend physical appearance. The story concludes with their union, as Don Martin learns to love Beatrice for her inner qualities rather than her outward beauty. The transformation of the street's name to "Calle de la Quemada" serves as a poignant reminder of Beatrice's sacrifice and the nature of true love. The narrator reflects on the irrationality of Beatrice's actions, suggesting that Don Martin's annoyance was justified, yet the tale ultimately champions the idea of love that goes beyond mere physical attraction.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1894 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Tragedy · 1,605 words
First lines
Not knowing what they are talking about, Senor, many people will tell you that the Street of the Burned Woman got its name because -- in the times when the Holy Office was helping the goodness of good people by making things very bad for the bad ones -- a woman heretic most properly and satisfactorily was burned there. Such is not in the least the case. The Quemadero of the Inquisition -- where such sinners were burned, that their sins might be burned out of them -- was nowhere near the Calle de la Quemada: being at the western end of what now is the Alameda, in quite a different part of the town. Therefore it is a mistake to mix these matters: and the real truth is that this beautiful young lady did herself destroy her own beauty by setting fire to it; and she did it because she wanted to do it -- that in that way she might settle some doubts which were in her heart. It all happened in the time of the good Viceroy Don Luis de Velasco: and so you will perceive, Senor, that this story is more than three hundred years old.
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a historical context, exploring themes and events from the past, particularly during the time of the Inquisition.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Dona Beatrice and Don Martin, highlighting themes of love, jealousy, and sacrifice.
- Tragedy — The narrative involves tragic elements, particularly the self-inflicted harm of Dona Beatrice and the emotional turmoil surrounding her actions.
- Gothic Fiction — The story contains dark themes and elements of horror, particularly in the depiction of beauty, sacrifice, and the grotesque.
Tags
historical fiction · Mexican culture · urban life · 19th century · adventure · romance · social commentary · cultural identity · immigration · family dynamics · community · struggle
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Calle De La Quemada is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas A. Janvier, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Tragedy, Gothic Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 1,605 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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