he people that Demetrio represent are evident in the people that comprise his army, as well as the rare souls like Luis Cervantes. Cervantes, man who was well off to begin with, but later lost his fortune to the government. He quotes “Before the revolution, I had my land all plowed, see, and just right for sowing, and if it hadn’t been for a little quarrel with Don Macio, the boss of my town, Moyahua, I’d be there in a jiffy getting the oxen ready for the sowing, see?” (pg. 48) Luis Cervantes explains his cause when he says “The triumph of our cause, which is the sublime triumph of Justice, because our ideal-to be free the noble, long suffering people of Mexico-is about to be realized and because those men who have watered the earth with their blood and tears will reap the harvest which is rightfully theirs.” (pg. 69)With respect to the degradation of women in The Underdogs, we must profile the two women portrayed in the book. On one hand we have the conservative Camilla, and on the other, we have War Paint. War Paint was the opposite of what society held as the typical woman. War Paint went against the grain, and partook in events which professor Tinsman explained was common for women in the army to do in those days. She drank, swore, and had many lovers like a man. Professor Tinsman also explained the traditional roles that women held in society. Camilla is a great example of the way women acted during this time. The following is an excerpt the is preceded by Luis Cervantes’ speech about how Camilla should take advantage of Demetrio Macias’ interest in her. She is not persuaded because she is truly interested in Luis Cervantes: “Camilla felt something rise within her breast, and empty ache that became a knot when it reached her throat; she closed her eyes fast to hold back the tears that welled up in them. Then with the back of here hand she wiped her wet cheeks, and j...
