“The Time of the Doves” by Mercè Rodoreda

Welcome to my sixth blog! This week I read “The Time of Doves” by Mercè Rodoreda.

The story intricately tells the story of Natalia, who endures two marriages against the tumultuous backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Natalia is initially attracted to Quimet after a chance encounter in a square, but their marriage is fraught with difficulties as Quimet joins the army during the war, leaving Natalia to take care of the children all by herself. Quimet's death further deepened her descent into poverty, prompting Natalia to consider the unthinkable: ending her own life and that of her children. Antonio became a beacon of hope in this dire situation, ultimately leading to a more prosperous life for Natalia after her marriage. As her children grow up, Natalia returns to the square and unearths repressed emotions from her past.

The story profoundly demonstrates Natalia's resilience as a mother and prompts people to reflect on the traditional boundaries of marriage and the role of women in marriage. The universal theme of “motherhood” permeates every aspect of social norms, including gender dynamics, childcare, household chores, and social expectations. Examples such as Quemet's mother eagerly awaiting news of Natalia's pregnancy highlight society's view of motherhood: motherhood is a woman's social obligation. Additionally, the story delves into the intersection of gender equality and motherhood, such as Natalia's initial reluctance to become pregnant but later overturned by Quimet's persuasion, emphasizing the power dynamics in the relationship.

Rodoreda adeptly employs symbolism to underscore the theme of motherhood, as evidenced by the quote: “When they saw me coming the doves who were roosting raised their heads and stretched their necks. They spread their wings and tried to protect the nests. When I stuck my hand under their breasts they’d try and peck me” (111). A simple analysis of this quote is the significant dove protecting the egg that symbolizes the mother's protection of her child, which is the most straightforward interpretation of parental responsibility and love. Natalia's complex relationships with Pere and Quiemet unveil layers of emotional turmoil and societal expectations, accentuated by Rodoreda's masterful use of metaphors and vivid descriptions.

I admired the book's narrative structure, it provides an intimate feel like watching Natalia’s documentary, brimming with vignettes and introspective musings. It was evident that Natalia wrestled with the elusive pursuit of love and contentment, permeating every facet of her existence. Her detachment from her children, evident in her impersonal references to them as "the boy" and "the girl," reflected the emotional chasm wrought by Quimet's callous demeanor. Moreover, Natalia's tumultuous upbringing, marked by a dearth of familial warmth and communication, likely colored her parental perceptions. Even after finding solace in her marriage to Antoni, a compassionate and devoted partner to both her and her children, Natalia remained haunted by thoughts of Quimet, prompting contemplation on the enduring hold of significant figures in our lives, despite their transgressions. The pivotal moment of reckoning came during "the time of the doves," symbolizing peace yet ironically exacerbating Natalia's turmoil as she grappled with the aftermath of Quimet's actions. Yet, amidst the chaos, Natalia's perspective gradually shifted, culminating in a newfound appreciation for the serenity embodied by the doves, mirroring her own journey towards acceptance and fulfillment in her life with Antoni.

Thank you so much for reading. My question for this week is “how does the portrayal of motherhood in "The Time of the Doves" reflect societal expectations and gender dynamics during the Spanish Civil War era?”