Previous
Chapter 4
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The House of Ulloa, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Revolution and Aristocracy
Intentions vs. Consequences
The Political and the Personal
Marriage and Parenthood
Summary
Analysis
Julián’s attempt to organize the archives accomplishes little. As chaplain, it’s part of Julián’s duty to help manage the estate, particularly since the marquis is usually off on hunting expeditions. Julián tries to convince Primitivo to support him, but whenever Julián suggests a change to the manor, the indifferent Primitivo just shrugs. It comes to be winter, and Julián gradually gets used to life in the rural manor.
In this chapter, Julián learns how hard it is to go against tradition. He came to the manor hoping to reform the marquis, but as he struggles in the archives, he realizes that change is difficult. Primitivo, who has money and influence under the old system, becomes a particular obstacle to any change that might challenge his authority.
Active
Themes
In the cold months, women gather in the kitchen and gossip, with Sabel being like the queen of a court. Sabel begins to talk with Julián when he’s around, but he soon starts to resent how familiar she is. He also begins to distrust Primitivo, assuming Primitivo must secretly hate him. Winter passes. In the spring, Julián begins to notice how dirty Perucho is as he goes about his daily reading lessons. Perucho sometimes pulls pranks on Julián, messing up Julián’s room, which annoys the chaplain.
This passage continues to show how Julián is an outsider at the manor, whether he’s with the nobility or with the servants. He sees how he is caught in between the two groups, with the marquis looking down on him and with the servants seeing him as stuck up. Even the child Perucho senses Julian’s vulnerable position, taking advantage of it to play tricks on him.
Active
Themes
Sabel finds reasons to enter Julián’s room too, which also annoys him. Sometimes she comes up in just a bodice, petticoat, and chemise, saying she thought he called for her, but he just tells her to cover herself up. One day, she is lying in his bed, saying that she suddenly felt ill. Julián goes to fetch her water before eventually realizing that she is only pretending. He gets angry and sends her away, and she seems disappointed. From then on, Julián begins doing more chores around the manor for himself instead of relying on Sabel.
Active
Themes
