2.How is the past shown to impact on the present for the characters of Essay

2.How is the past shown to impact on the present for the characters of La Muerte y la Doncella(Death and the maiden) - Essay Example The authorities in the story do not get to hear the story of Paulina Salas, who was kidnaped and raped by Dr. Miranda when she was young. There was Salas kidnapping because of her different political views (Dorfman 71). Thousands of Chilean citizens are believed to have disappeared during the reign of General Augusto Pinochet during the years 1973-1990. The people who had a different opinion from the government were killed. Chile, however, has a new form of government, and the citizens have to learn to live with the aftermath of General Augusto’s era. The survivors have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, and this happens in the play by Salas’ character. The people of Chile were bleeding inside during the reign of Pinochet, who is believed to be a dictator. The country is now healing from the entire trauma and justice to the people is being served. We eventually hear Salas’ voice as she speaks out about her troubles while still in the university. The play is about the characters getting and having a voice on different matters that affect their lives. The play is not necessarily about the Chilean government as it is in an unknown South American country. Salas is sad and looks troubled at the beginning of the play. Salas is unhappy with the man the husband has befriended. She believes that is the same man that tortured her when she was trying to give her voice about her political opinions fifteen years ago (Ainsworth 3). The scene shows us how many countries in the world, mainly those in South America have grown in democracy. The citizens were not able to have a voice or else their lives would end because of it. The present governments recognize freedom of speech and people are free to talk about their troubles with the government. Salas had to suffer fifteen years ago because of her political opinions so that the rest of the people will have a voice in