Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder

The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a masterpiece of American literature, written by Thornton Wilder. This work is a novel that tells the story of five people who cross the San Luis Rey Bridge in Peru on July 20, 1714. It is a work of great depth and complexity that explores the themes of love, fate, guilt, forgiveness, and redemption.

The novel is divided into five chapters, each dedicated to one of the victims of the bridge collapse. The first chapter is about the Marquesa de Montemayor, a wealthy woman who devoted her life to her daughter, Clara. Clara is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who becomes the object of many men's desires. The Marquesa fears that Clara will never marry and tries to keep her away from all suitors. However, Clara eventually falls in love with a man named Esteban and plans to marry him. On the day of the bridge collapse, Clara and Esteban are on their way to elope. The Marquesa's story is an exploration of the love between a mother and a daughter, and the lengths that a parent will go to protect their child.

The second chapter is about Uncle Pio, a witty and charming man who is the personal assistant to the Viceroy of Peru. Uncle Pio has dedicated his life to the Viceroy and his family, particularly the Viceroy's daughter, Camila. Uncle Pio is devastated by Camila's death on the bridge and spends the rest of his life trying to understand why it happened. Uncle Pio's story is an exploration of the love between a servant and his master, and the lengths that a person will go to remain loyal to their employer.

The third chapter is about the Abbess, the leader of a convent in Lima. The Abbess was once a beautiful and passionate woman who fell in love with a man named Manuel. However, she chose to devote her life to God and became a nun. The Abbess is haunted by the memory of Manuel and wonders if her decision to become a nun was the right one. The Abbess's story is an exploration of the love between a woman and a man, and the lengths that a person will go to remain true to their beliefs.

The fourth chapter is about Doña Maria, a wild and impulsive woman who is the mother of the twins, Pepita and Jaime. Doña Maria has always favored Jaime and neglected Pepita, who is kind and gentle. On the day of the bridge collapse, Jaime is traveling with his mother, while Pepita is at the convent. Doña Maria is consumed by guilt for neglecting Pepita and spends the rest of her life trying to make amends. Doña Maria's story is an exploration of the love between a mother and her children, and the lengths that a person will go to make things right.

The final chapter is about Esteban, the man that Clara was planning to marry. Esteban is a gentle and kind man who is deeply in love with Clara. He is also a talented musician and composer. Esteban's story is the most tragic of all the victims, as he was the only one who did not have a chance to reflect on his life before he died. Esteban's story is an exploration of the love between two people, and the lengths that a person will go to be with the one they love.

Throughout the novel, Wilder explores the nature of fate and the role that it plays in our lives. He suggests that fate is not arbitrary, but rather a result of the choices that people make. The novel also explores the themes of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption. In the end, Wilder suggests that love is the only thing that can truly redeem us.

The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a powerful and moving work of fiction that continues to resonate with readers today. Wilder's writing is lyrical and poetic, and his characters are fully realized and deeply human. This is a novel that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and one that will continue to inspire and challenge you for years to come.