Section 2-- Mendoza
Mendoza arrives in Asuncion at the head of the team of slave-traders and their human merchandise. Money changes hands between Mendoza and a Spaniard named Don Cabeza. The second sequence establishes the relationship between Mendoza and his brother Felipe. The woman whom Mendoza loves tells him that she is in love with his brother. The festival seems to underscore the mounting tension in Mendoza. The murder of Felipe is quite obviously a turning point in Mendoza's life. The third sequence re-introduces Father Gabriel. He arrives in Asuncion and goes to the monastery where he comes face to face with Mendoza. Gabriel makes Mendoza confront himself and then challenges him to select a suitable penance for his crime. The fourth sequence in this section deals with the penance for and expiation of Mendoza's sins. The scenes of hardship and exhaustion are a visual illustration of the burden of sin. The emotional climax of this scene is in direct contrast to what we have come to expect from Mendoza.
1. What camera angle is used predominantly to film Mendoza as he rides into Asuncion? Why?
Note the reaction of the Guarani when he enters Asuncion. Contrast this with the interaction of Father Gabriel with the Guarani.2. Why does the director use a close-up of money changing hands?
3. Why does the presence of the Jesuits above the falls annoy Don Cabeza?
4. What does the director wish to emphasise by giving Don Cabeza a dog on a lead?
5. How do the lighting and soundtrack of the carnival scene evoke an underlying sense of threat in the tension that is building within Roderigo?
6. The brothers each say a few words before the duel. What do they say and what do they reveal about each character?
7. Why are the faces of the two brothers filmed in MCU during the duel? Compare their expressions.
8. Why does the camera focus exclusively on Roderigo after Felipe is mortally wounded?
Is this remorse?
1. Who has the upper hand in Roderigo's cell? Use evidence from the dialogue to support your answer.
2. How do the camera shots and lighting emphasise this?
3. If Gabriel had answered Roderigo's final question, what would he have said?
How long must he carry that stupid thing?
1. Why do you think that Roderigo chooses a physical penance?
2. What is significant about what he carries?
3. What do the different actions and words of Brother John and Father Gabriel tell us about each man?
4. Why is Father Gabriel right when he says: But he doesn't think so, and until he does, neither do I?
5. This whole sequence, up to where Roderigo reaches the top of the falls, may be seen as a visualisation of the burden of sin. Discuss how the director makes this visualisation both powerful and believable.
6. What tells us that Father Gabriel has faith in the Guarani's ability to forgive?
7. Why is it significant that it is the Guarani who free Roderigo of his burden?
8. Why does Roderigo accept the fact that the Guarani cut him loose when he did not accept this from Brother John?.
