Jayleene Rosario

I believe you assigned “The Most Handsome Drowned Man” to us as the first story of the course because it shows how someone we don’t know; a stranger, can have such an effect on us and change our perspective on life. Before “Esteban” is found near the beach their life was ordinary, but once they see him in this lifeless condition they begin to imagine what he would’ve been like. They go as far as saying that his name is Esteban, that he’s a thoughtful and sincere man like no other. They begin to compare their own husbands to them and cry with joy at the thought of him being  “the more destitute, most peaceful, and most obliging man on earth”. They can’t help but feel bad for him and his passing. I love how the story ends because although Esteban has passed away he will forever live in their memories and in their village. The villagers accept that their life will change including the way they live. They make it their duty to paint their front doors vibrant colors, have wider doors with high ceilings, and strong floors as well as planted flowers on cliffs, in remembrance of him. So they can happily say this is Esteban’s village.