Juan experienced happiness from receiving information about Mariana, a woman who he cared about. He felt good about the letter since he believed that what he wrote was innocuous. However, he began having doubts because he analyzed the extent to which the regime would go through when scrutinizing the letters. While he initially believed that the contents wouldn’t cause any issues, he started to become anxious that they may find something in the letter which could get him in trouble.

What does cause him to rethink his actions further was the issue that it might also put Mariana’s life in danger as a result of him sending her the letter. The regime would then know where Mariana lives in Paris (and potentially kidnap her).

This shows the extent of the fear that the military regime had instilled on the people and the current society. While writing a letter may seem like a simple matter for an individual living in a free society, the society in which Juan lived in was the complete opposite. Anything written that was considered inappropriate by the regime would be dealt with harshly (as evidenced by Juan’s fear that something may be misconstrued in his letter to Mariana).

The first two paragraphs set a tone of caution, fear, and anxiety. The reader can sense how repressive the regime was and what the consequences were for disobeying them.

In an oppressive society, the people feel powerless and freedom is severely limited. The regime in control have all of the power and freedom to pursue their own interests in governing how they deem is right. People in these societies are unable to enjoy the freedoms which people in more democratic societies take for granted. These include freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. While people in freer societies are able to engage in these processes, the people in oppressed societies are more limited and fearful for the consequences of going against their government. These people can be imprisoned or executed for something as simple as writing a letter.

Juan experienced happiness from receiving information about Mariana, a woman who he cared about. He felt good about the letter since he believed that what he wrote was innocuous. However, he began having doubts because he analyzed the extent to which the regime would go through when scrutinizing the letters. While he initially believed that the contents wouldn’t cause any issues, he started to become anxious that they may find something in the letter which could get him in trouble.

What does cause him to rethink his actions further was the issue that it might also put Mariana’s life in danger as a result of him sending her the letter. The regime would then know where Mariana lives in Paris (and potentially kidnap her).

This shows the extent of the fear that the military regime had instilled on the people and the current society. While writing a letter may seem like a simple matter for an individual living in a free society, the society in which Juan lived in was the complete opposite. Anything written that was considered inappropriate by the regime would be dealt with harshly (as evidenced by Juan’s fear that something may be misconstrued in his letter to Mariana).

The first two paragraphs set a tone of caution, fear, and anxiety. The reader can sense how repressive the regime was and what the consequences were for disobeying them.

(Please read solution for the analysis on oppressed society, power, and freedom)