In Death and The Maiden, Paulina's struggle is symbolic of the struggle of oppressed nations all over the world. What is the message that Dorfman is trying to express through her? To what extent is he successful?

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Paulina's struggle is symbolic of the struggle of oppressed nations all

over the world. What is the message that Dorfman is trying to express

through her? To what extent is he successful?

Chile, an oppressed nation, held in fear for fifteen years. Like many others in the country, Paulina Salas was tortured for weeks, and for fifteen years she has not been able to accept the crimes done to her and has therefore not been able to move on with her life. Death and the Maiden starts of with Paulina hiding when she hears an unfamiliar sound, which immediately makes the audience wonder why she has that fear. Throughout the play the audience is introduced to the situation where Paulina was raped and tortured fifteen years ago during Pinochet's rule. Through the kidnapping of her oppressor and forcing a confession out of him, Paulina represents the wishes of all the others in her situation, as she takes action to gain justice for herself. Dorfman brings out the message of firstly, forgiving and forgetting, which is portrayed through her conflict with not only Roberto, but also Gerardo. Secondly he brings out the message of revenge compared