1. Dona Laura considers Don Gonzalo as an ill- natured man.
In the play “A Sunny Morning” by Quinter brothers, Dona Laura considers Don Gonzalo an ill-natured man because of his rude and selfish conduct when they first meet in the park. Doña Laura is quietly enjoying her morning, feeding the birds, when Don Gonzalo enters and disturbs the peaceful atmosphere. Instead of showing courtesy, he impatiently drives the birds away and irritates Dona Laura. His constant grumbling about the priests occupying benches and his complaints against the authorities for not providing enough seats further display his unpleasant nature. Don Gonzalo is unwilling to share space politely, insisting on comfort only for himself, without considering others. His arrogance and harsh manner of speaking offend Dona Laura, who finds him selfish, ill-mannered, and disagreeable. These discourteous actions convince her that Don Gonzalo is an ill-natured man, lacking the gentleness and respect expected in social behavior.
2.What were the circumstances that led Gonzalo to flee Valencia?
Don Gonzalo explained to Dona Laura that Gonzalo and Laura were the two lovers of Maricela. They loved each other deeply and exchanged bouquets of flowers every day. However, Laura’s parents planned to marry her to a wealthy merchant from their locality.
One night, while Gonzalo was waiting under Laura’s window to hear her sing, the merchant unexpectedly arrived. A fight broke out between Gonzalo and the merchant, and the latter was badly wounded. Since the merchant was a highly respected person in the community, Gonzalo feared the serious consequences of the incident. To avoid punishment, he fled from Valencia, went to Seville, and later to Madrid. He wrote many letters but were intercepted by her parents. In despair, believing his love lost, he joined the army, and during battle he died a glorious death, grasping the flag of Spain and whispering Laura’s name.
3.A note on Silver Maiden
Laura Llorente was known as Silver Maiden in her locality. She lived in a beautiful villa named Maricela, which was near the sea, hidden away among lemon and orange trees. She was a beautiful woman, fair as lilly. She had jet hair and black eyes, with an uncommonly sweet expression. She seemed to cast radiance wherever she was. Her figure was beautiful and perfect as a form of sovereign beauty in human clay.
