Saint Emmanuel the Good, Martyr

The novel suggests that enlightenment and consciousness can be a burden rather than a liberating force, leading to despair and a profound sense of loss. It highlights a tragic irony in which the pursuit of knowledge could lead to the loss of comforting illusions that bring meaning and happiness to life.

This idea underpins Don Manuel’s internal conflict between faith and doubt and his efforts to balance his public duty with personal disbelief. Don Manuel suggests that awareness often exacerbates suffering, even in the case of relatively mundane, worldly concerns: “[Envy] is nurtured by those who are bent on believing themselves envied, and persecutions more often come from a persecution complex than from any persecutor” (59). This insight reflects his belief that knowing the full extent of one’s misfortune can inflict greater pain than the initial troubles. This concept illustrates how enlightenment can lead to increased despair rather than liberation or comfort. Don Manuel’s decision to conceal his existential doubts from the community is motivated by this understanding; he aims to shield his parishioners from the additional burdens that enlightenment might bring. As the story progresses, Angela’s journey from innocence to doubt is triggered by her father’s books, but her existential doubts deepen when she learns of Don Manuel’s disbelief.