PART THREE: Esteban

Summary

The third section of the novel relates the story of Esteban, the third character who was killed on the Bridge of San Luis Rey. Esteban had an identical twin brother named Manuel. At birth, both boys were abandoned at the front door of the convent of Santa Maria de Las Rosas. The Abbess of the convent showered them with her love; she also taught them to honor God and help in the duties of the church, hoping they would go into the priesthood. As they grew older, neither twin showed any interest in pursuing a clerical life. In fact, they were eager to move away from the convent and take up work in the outside world. After doing many odd jobs, the brothers both became copyists in the theatre.

Growing up in a convent with only females around, Esteban and Manuel became very close to one another. Even though they were quiet and reserved, talking little even to each other, the twins understood each other's feelings intuitively. Esteban felt that nothing could ever come between him and his twin. Then Manuel met Camila while he........

Notes

Like Pepita, Esteban and Manuel were orphans brought up in the convent. Because they had one another, however, they were not lonely and miserable like Pepita. Instead, they were so close that they knew each other's feelings without speaking. When they left the convent as young adults, they lived and worked together; however, their relationship became strained when Manuel fell in love with Camila, although he tried to hide it from everyone, including his twin. After Esteban realized his brother's feelings, Manuel denied his love and cut off his work relationship with Camila. Soon afterwards, Manuel was injured. When his leg became infected, Esteban cared for him. In a state of delirium, Manuel blamed his twin for coming between him and Camila, causing Esteban great guilt. When Manuel died, Esteban was in...........


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