Relationships in the House of Spirits

This essay will be going through the different types of love, and the power that they wield. Throughout the novel, different characters hold different powers of love. First, Clara’s love towards Ferula and Pedro Segundo will be discussed. And second, Esteban’s obsessiveness with Clara will be looked at closer. The bonds of love are stronger in relationships that aren’t acceptable compared to relationships that are acceptable in society. Clara possesses two different types of loves that are portrayed very strong within this novel for; Ferula Trueba, and Pedro Segundo. The relationships for these people were not acceptable within this society. Clara’s relationship with Ferula is very strong, it is more of a friendship relationship, then it is a romantic relationship. ‘“Don’t worry,” she said. “You’re going to live with us and the two of us will be just like sisters.”’... “She leaned across and kissed her on the cheek … She could not remember the last time anyone had spontaneously touched her.” (Allende 95) It is shown that Ferula had never had a close relationship with anyone. She saw how she needed some type of affection in her life, since she hadn’t remembered the last time anyone had touched her. There is another part of the novel where it is shown how strong their relationship was, “She undressed her, washed her, … returning to her in death the infinite attentions that Ferula had given her in life.” (151) “I always think of you, Ferula, because the truth is that since you left me no one has ever loved me as you did.” (152) Even though Clara did not have the same romantic feelings towards Ferula, as Ferula did towards Clara, her relationship with Ferula still meant a lot. Pedro Segundo and Clara have a stronger relationship then her and Esteban ever had. “She felt alone and confused, and when it came time to make decisions, the only person she could turn to was Pedro Segundo Garcia… Clara would often look for him to give him a cup of tea… They sipped their