The Shadow of the Wind-Week 7, Post B

The story of Penelope Aldaya and Julian Carax resembles a Romeo and Juliet sort of tale. It is the story of forbidden love and ends with the loves becoming separated, never to see each other again. Neither of them dies, but Penelope’s family moves to Argentina, taking her with them. Julian is left alone in Paris, having just fled Barcelona. They sneak around for quite some time before they decide to run away together. Unfortunately Mrs. Aldaya walks in on Julian and Penelope one day, causing much controversy. Julian is forced to leave Barcelona or his father and Mr. Aldaya will dispense him to the army. The day Julian and Penelope were discovered was the last time they ever saw each other. It is a truly tragic story. I made another connection with the story of Romeo and Juliet however. Jacinta is the maid who works in the Aldaya home and she is Penelope’s best friend. Penelope has known her all her life and tells her absolutely everything. Jacinta reminds me of the nurse from Romeo and Juliet because of her close connection to Penelope and her help to give Julian and Penelope time together. She covers for Penelope on many occasions while she and Julian are sneaking around and even looked for opportunities for the two of them to be together. Penelope meant everything to Jacinta and they had full trust in each other. I would not be surprised if Carlos Ruiz Zafon had the story of Romeo and Juliet in mind while inventing the love tale between Penelope and Julian.