Week 1- Cultural Commentary

Chile is full of English people living off of the sea industry. There are very large cultural differences between the Chilean people and the English. "They [the English] formed a small nation within the country, with their own customs, cults, newspapers, clubs, schools, and hospitals [...] (p 15)."

The religious beliefs of the two groups differ. Jacob Todd is involved in a bet where he has to go to Chile and sell a bunch of Bibles before the year ends. No one believes he will be able to sell them in the Catholic country. When he arrives in Chile, indeed he has a hard time getting his Protestant ideas around. However, his British friends support his idea to try to convert some indigenous tribes. The British also like to hear his sermons he preaches. As it turns out, Todd doesn't try very hard to sell his Bibles, but the one time he does try, no one buys.

The Chileans are very Catholic people. They hold Catholic festivities during Holy week and on religious holidays. Because that year there were incredible devastating floods, a lot of people show up to the processions. "[...] but on this occasion they had become massive rallies imploring heaven to bring an end to the storms (p 32)." The festival is described as eccentric and really quite crazy. There are people praying, singing, fasting, punishing themselves, etc.

This is obviously a little big off base from how we celebrate our religion. I assume Britain is a bit more moderate in its religion as we are. The British in Chile were probably appalled at the spectacle. Eliza Sommers goes with Mama Fresia to the Cristo de Mayo even though here patroness forbid it. Her patroness, Miss Rose, is very English and doesn't want Eliza exposed to the Catholic rituals. There is no mention of any English at the festivities besides Eliza.