It is clear throughout the story that Abel and Joaquin are alter egos of each other’s personality, for they both are envious or admire the other’s individuality that is such a disparity against their own. It is true that they both have the ability to be each other’s alter ego, but chose to conflict each other in pursuit of their own personal interest. It is understood in the beginning that Joaquin is incredibly jealous of Abel’s popularity, and he considers himself to be able to pursue that quality if he so chose to do so, but he would rather continue with his studies. This is also true with Abel, it is said in the book that although Joaquin receives better grades, Abel is much quicker and if he were to focus on schoolwork, he could also be great at that. Although these are assumptions, it is true that each has the ability to be each other or they could not be such good friends.
The concept of alter ego is also true in Joaquin’s own personality, for he has the contrasting duel personality that seem to fight each other to gain total control over his conscience. It seemed as though what he wanted to be and what his cold heart was meant to be conflicted his conscience throughout the first part of the book. He wanted to get over Helena and understand their love, but he loathed both of them as much as he tried not to. He wanted to go to their wedding to accept them, even though he knew it would be difficult for his heart to endure. Joaquin was even about to compromise his best friend to his desire and jealousy when the fate of his mortal state was left in his hands, and the reader could see the alter egos dueling against each other to make that decision of whether to kill Abel or not. It is interesting to see how part of Joaquin wants to be accepting and not so envious of his lifelong best friend, while the other part lives to spite and destroy every part of Abel’s being.
Discuss the role of women as developed thus far in the book
The role of women in this book, similar to many others is they are underappreciated and undermined by the male population. This is evident in many circumstances of the story. For one, it is clear that Joaquin does not know his cousin very well at all, and the only reason he wishes to pursue a relationship with her is because of her physical beauty. In many cultures, the essence of beauty in women is portrayed of a much higher importance as far as attractiveness to males then male beauty is to women. Abel even stated that Joaquin did not even know her, and he got very defensive and claimed that he did love her very much. Even between the viewpoints of both Abel and Joaquin, her personality is not described nearly as much as her physical essence, which is similar to Equality’s relationship in Anthem. It is often that people become attracted to one another lustfully due to outward appearances, but inevitably it can never be true love, although it is commonly mistaken as that.
Another viewpoint of women in this novel is they are depicted as prizes to be won over. For instance, Helena got mad at Abel when he was telling her to give Joaquin a chance when she really loved Abel, exclaiming that women are not objects to be fought over. Also, it was hard for Joaquin to comprehend Abel when he claimed to love Helena no to make him angry or jealous but because he really loved her. Joaquin kept saying that Abel can have any girl he wants so he should just be with one of them, indicating that women are easily exchangeable and there isn’t much difference between any of them; henceforth, it would be easy for him to just go off and find another girl. It is evident that women are depicted as objects, not actual human beings for both Abel and Joaquin treat them as though they are exchangeable merchandise viewed as prized objects judged mainly on physical appearance, judging by how they viewed Helena.
