The Shadow of the Wind-Week 4, Post B

An inspector showed up recently at the Semperes’ bookshop inquiring about their neighbor, Don Federico, a simple watchmaker. The inspector, who we learn is named Fumero, is suspicious of Federico and consistently refers to him as a “pansy”. At one point during the conversation between Daniel and Fumero, Fumero subtly accuses Federico of being a communist. I’m beginning to wonder if this inspector and Federico have anything to do with the mystery of Julian Carax. Could the reason for people wanting to burn Carax’s novels be political? This story takes place right after World War II and the threat of Communism is a prominent concern. Daniel has never mentioned anything regarding Communist connotations in his copy of Carax’s The Shadow of the Wind. However, it is important to keep in mind that Daniel was around eleven years old when he read Carax’s novel. He might not have been fully aware of Communism and even if he was it is doubtful that he sufficiently understood it. In a letter Daniel uncovered that was written to Carax from his mother, Penelope, some questionable information is found. She’s very secretive and is careful not to give away too much information in the letter. Penelope discusses Carax’s running away from home, and tries to convince him that what he has heard about her is not true. She does not give great insight into what exactly she is accused of, nor is the reader able to decipher why she is currently in hiding. I feel that there is a high possibility that whatever Penelope is hiding from may be a political conflict which could be the reason for the visit of the inspector and the suspicion of Federico.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 4, Post A

There is a division between what is acceptable based on wealth and social standing and not on character. A person's character is often second to where they are in the class system in this culture. In the novel, Daniel is falling for his best friend Tomas's older sister, Bea. Bea is currently engaged to her boyfriend of a few years who serves in the military. His service in the military places him high on the social pyramid. From Bea's responses to questions about her fiance, I am getting the impression that she would prefer not to marry him. It seems she is only marrying him to stick to the status quo. I am also under the impression that she is reciprocating Daniel's feelings and falling for him as well. Daniel, however is not wealthy, nor is his family "socially acceptable" to the standards of the upper middle class in Barcelona. The Semperes own a small bookshop which Daniel works for. He cannot comete with a man who is serving in the military. I am interested to see if Daniel follows his heart and seeks Bea or if he will deem to accept that he cannot compare to her fiance.