The Doors Open at Three

Infante's "The Doors Open at Three" is an intriguing read that captivates the audience in a very short and sharp story. The story focuses on the relationship of two main characters, Silvestre and Virginia. They are almost star crossed lovers, who know that they could never be together. They are both from such different paths and upbringings that they could both never be together. He says in the story, " I saw her at the corner, coming towards me yet not yet to me – and nothing else mattered anymore." I found this to be extremely tragic, Although he wants to be with her more than anything, he cannot due to the social stratification that is prominent in Cuba during the time. 

    There are many stories that are similar to this throughout fantasies and folklore. This however, was and is a real life issue that many face. Even today, there are places and people who believe if you are not from around a similar social class as someone else it is wrong to date and be seen with them. Tragedy is ever present throughout the story and the idea of death is all over the story. The parents and the main characters have jobs that are always around death and that ties in with the loneliness that is found by the two lovers. It creates a dark and tragic tone that makes the story a very intriguing read. Again, like in many of the stories we have read, there is no happy ending or story of success.

Comments

  1. JP RicheyOctober 3, 2020 at 1:33 PM


    In regard to your point about fantasies and folklore, I agree that this was a “real life issue that many face.” But I think that Infante is not only commenting on the stressors on their relationship of due to their differing social classes but perhaps he was also commenting on the repressive rise of communism in Cuba, which Infante eventually turns against. (I also wondered if the use of yellow not only represented hope and warmth but perhaps he was alluding to yellow socialism.)

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