Page "The Heart of Jade" Paragraph 4

The novel deals with the " conflict between two worlds ": Christian Europe and Aztec America.

Both civilizations are represented by equally-committed proponents: Alonso Manrique ( Europe ) and Itzcauatzin ( America ).

Both characters are soldiers and priests ( symbolizing nationalism and faith ).

Alonso started as a priest and later became a warrior ; Itzcauatzin entered an academy ( Calmecac ) that prepared him for both.

Caught in between is Xuchitl, the Aztec princess.

Whoever wins her wins the future of the Aztec civilization.

Xuchitl identifies the winner by giving him the Aztec talisman known as " el corazon de piedra verde " (" the green stone heart ").

This talisman was worn by her father and represents the mystic powers of the Aztec religion.

Alonso won, signifying the beginning of the Christianization of Mexico.

Itzcauatzin gives his life as a human sacrifice vainly trying to add enough power to the traditional religion to overcome the Europeans.

In the end, Alonso and Xuchitl have a son and return to Mexico from Spain.

They bring the jade heart with them, but with the Virgin Mary etched on it to counteract the stone's original powers.

The novel was the first of an intended five novels — each covering a century ( XVI-XX )— tracking the creation of modern Mexico through the descendants of Alonso and Xuchitl.

However, only four novels were finished before Salvador de Madariaga died.