Obregon, American woman, Laura
The story incorporates a series of flashbacks, although the story of Flowering Judas happens in a period of one evening shortly after the revolution in Obregon in the 1920s. The story begins by the protagonist Laura, an American woman, returning to the hacienda. Laura is a catholic and a virgin, who is known for her clothing that resembles a catholic nun. She teaches Indian children how to speak English, delivers narcotics and messages to political prisoners, and involves in various activities of leading members of the movement. Bragging, the revolution leader, tries to seduce Laura through conversation and song; however, Laura's thoughts show her distaste for ill-fated attempts for men of pursuing a romantic relationship. Laura lacks emotional commitment with her life evident by how she expresses little care for her teachings, struggle with the beliefs of her religion and her involvement in the revolution strictly for intellectual reasons.
"Flowering of Judas" focuses on the story of love and betrayal, as a symbol of Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. Laura is shown to have betrayed Eugenio through her involvement in his murder.
[...] She presented so many symbolic meanings to the characters, which deepens her main theme of betrayal. Thus, the rich symbolism makes it difficult for the reader to comprehend the story as it highlights the style of the story. Bibliography Liberman, Myron M. Katherine Anne Porter's fiction. Detroit: Wayne State University Press Print. Porter, Katherine Anne, & Virginia Spencer Carr. Flowering Judas. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers City University Press Print. [...]
[...] Eugenio's name is deprived of the word “eugenic," which refers to well-born. Thus, Eugenio has the meaning of well-born, and he is seen as a true Christ since Christ is well- born as a Son of God. For instance, Eugenio surrenders to death by means of narcotics brought to him b7y Laura, the Judas. In the idea of people from the western culture, Christ-like behaviors from Eugenio suggest a symbol of the true Christ. However, there are no clear indications that Eugenio could not in any way be a means of salvation. [...]
[...] As illustrated, Laura saw the hands of Eugenio as fleshless, a cluster of small white petrified branches, which she termed her body and blood (Porter, 102). The bleeding flowers are legendary from the Judas tree, which became the body of Judas. Thus, Eugenio can be concluded to be like Judas. He becomes a symbol associated with death, despair and damnation and never with salvation. Just like Judas, Eugenio is a betrayer of life. Laura is the main character in Flowering Judas, and her central female character provides the evolutionary role commentaries of women. [...]
[...] The negative characteristics of Braggioni are emphasized by porter as a symbolic of Judas. For instance, he was a skilled revolutionist, but his skin was punctured in honorable warfare. He is seen a professional lover of humanity and a hungry world savior. Braggioni posses nothing but contempt for men, including his followers, and takes pride in killing people. It is clear that Braggioni betrayed the humanitarian ideals of the revolution, just like Judas did to the Apostles. The design of Braggioni on Laura, who is accustoms to love and life rejection show his lustfulness characteristics. [...]
[...] Braggioni, as another important character in Porter's short story, show some differences form Laura in some ways. Braggioni is a revolutionist leader possessed with deep and passionate love. However, he is shown as a vessel of deadly sins. He shows a number of characters ranging from corruption, sexual advances and cruelty, and guilt to pride and envy. His characters symbolize both a savior and a Judas. For instance, as a leader of great revolutionists, he saves the world by sacrificing himself. [...]
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