In the Name of Salome

This chapter consists entirely of Salomé’s letters to Pancho after he moves to Paris to complete his medical training. Initially, her letters express how much she misses her husband and the fears they both share for the health of their three young sons. Salomé writes, “I promise, dearest, to keep my vow and present you with your sons, healthy and happy, upon your return” (212). Salomé’s letters become progressively more plaintive as her depression deepens over her husband’s extended absence when two years of overseas training turns into four. She also resents his elder brother, Federico, who is constantly interfering in the family’s affairs and might be intercepting correspondence between Pancho and Salomé.

During this same period, Hostos and his family leave the country, so Salomé needs to manage the girls’ school by herself. To add to her woes, the government has cut funding to her little school, and Salomé must find a way to cover expenses. She is outraged when Pancho implies that she may be having an affair with Hostos. Salomé also writes to Pancho about the political climate of the country. General Lilis has become president and employs brutal means to suppress opposition to his regime. Even Pancho’s elder brother is imprisoned by Lilis on suspicion of disloyalty.