Two Words by Isabel Allende

February 6th, 2018

- PROMPT -

What might the two words have been? Why doesn't Allende tell us? What would be the two words that could make or break your life? When have you used words to your advantage? Explain.

- ANSWER -

The two words might have been “I love you” in Spanish, which would be “te amo,” since all the Colonel really wanted was to be loved, and Belisa recognized that from the very first time they met. Allende does not disclose what the words are and leaves it open to interpretation to the reader so that they can reflect on what the two words might have been in order for them to have such a severe effect on the Colonel.

The two words that could make or break my life would probably have something to do with my future or a close family member. If the two words were something positive regarding my future, I would probably lead a very happy life, reassured by the fact that greater things are to come for me later on. If they were negative, I would most likely fall into despair, since I would no longer be excited or look forward to whatever it is that awaits me in the future. If the two words were negative regarding a member of my family with whom I am very close, I would be quite upset and devastated.

I have used words to my advantage when I want to gain something for myself. An example of this would be when I argue with my teachers for marks that I have lost on a test, in an attempt to convince them that my answer or process work was indeed correct.