Mara Ruiz de Burton's novel "The Squatter and the Don"
Mara Ruiz de Burton's novel "The Squatter and the Don" is based on a true event about Spanish squatters and a Hispanic settler named Don Mariano who lived in San Diego County. Don is wealthy and appears to have more influence than the other squatters. The United States amends its constitution to exempt some counties, including San Diego, from building legitimate barriers on private property. The statutes, however, allow owners of any trespassing animal to be held accountable for twice the amount of property damage caused by the stray animal. Local and state regulations, on the other hand, prohibit property owners from murdering trespassing animals. These laws create a problem for both the squatters and Don Mariano. He, therefore, calls a meeting with the intentions of suggesting better ideas that can help the settlers in the long run and also try to save his remaining cattle, as most of them were killed due to trespassing and damaging the squatter’s grain field.
The Relationship between Men in the Novel
Generally, the relationship between men in this part of the novel can be described as friendly and respectful. Throughout the meeting, the men discuss their issues without using abusive words although not all of them were in agreement. Before the meeting can begin, the men peacefully sit down and laugh amongst their friends. Gusbang, the host of the meeting, welcomes all of his guests with equal friendliness without considering whether they are Latino or Spanish. During the meeting, the men clearly show that they are peaceful and respect each other's opinion although they might not all be in agreement with each other.
Don Mariano's Difficult Relationships
Like in any regular community, not everybody seems to like Don Mariano who is obviously more powerful and wealthier than others. To be specific, Don Mariano has a strenuous and unhealthy relationship with Gusbang, Mathews, and Millers. The hatred toward Don existed before the meeting and was not in any way triggered by Don's proposal to keep cattle and grow fruits instead of grain farming. Lauter et al. states that "All saw the fine irony of the rejoinder and laughed heartily" (250). Miller knows well that, with the exception of Mathews and Gusbang, he killed and "corralled" more of Don's cattle than any other settler. Throughout the meeting, the three friends do not seem to agree with anything that Don has to say even though his proposals make sense and can be very helpful. The men have an entirely negative attitude towards Don and it is clear they do not like him. This kind of interaction makes them decline Don's proposal about the new use of land. Instead, they are willing to maintain the regular and unpredictable grain farming business.
Supportive Relationships
On the other hand, Don seems to have a supportive and helpful relationship with the rest of the squatters, especially Darrell and Mechlin. They give Don a chance to explain his proposal without interrupting him. They are also very supportive of Don and are trying to make sense of and understand what he is saying. In the novel, Mechlin supports Don by telling Matthews that "We did not come to discuss the 'no fence law,' but only to propose something that will put more money in your pockets than killing dumb beasts" (Lauter et al. 251). In fact, they are willing to give Don's proposal a try. This kind of relationship and attitude towards Don makes them reason with his proposal of cattle keeping and fruit growing.
Race, Power, and Don Mariano
In the novel, the author has also brought up the issue of races and power. For example, Clarence claims that Don Mariano's sons, Gabriel and Victorian, look like English men. Romeo further adds that they are more light-skinned, like Germans. In my opinion, the issue of being "light-skinned" can be acquainted with the love for power and being in control. Don's proposal to not only focus on helping himself and other squatters but to see cattle keeping and fruit growing is a sure way to make the whole County flourish. He wants San Diego County to be among the best producers of fruits and dairy products.
Don Mariano's Vision for the County
Don believes that achieving great results can only be done by making proper use of the land. Don Mariano tells the squatters that "And is it not a pity to impoverish our County by making the bulk of its land useless? The foolishness of letting all of the rainfall go to waste is an old time folly with us" (Lauter et al. 254). This explains that he not only wants success for himself, but the whole County. He is even willing to give up some of his belonging to be able to start the projects. The issue of power has also played a major part in Don's relationships with the other squatters. He seems to be more respected not only because of his ideas, but also his wealth. He is among the richest people in that area and, therefore, most people appear to believe in him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between most men in this novel is respectful, friendly, and supportive. Most people are on good terms with one another. Although there are a few strenuous relationships between Don Mariano and some of the squatters, the author has conveyed a peaceful environment and warm interactions among most characters.
Work Cited
Lauter, Paul, et al. The Heath Anthology of American Literature: Volume C. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, 2006.
