Analysis #1: Rosario Tijeras

          Unlike the traditional rosa telenovela, “Rosario Tijeras” only usurps certain elements of the Cinderella story within the breathless, violent society that Rosario, the female protagonist, surrounds herself in. While only a high school student in an impoverished Columbian town, she can be directly characterized by her youthfulness, beauty, naivety, and poor socioeconomic status compared to the two male protagonists (Emilio and Antonio). In contrast, Emilio and Antonio are depicted within the telenovela by their extreme wealth, good looks, and carefree attitude. Providing the juxtaposition between the main characters that are foundational in Cinderella stories, this telenovela captures the energy and elements of a telenovela “de ruptura” by having Rosario fall in love with both of the men at once – leaning towards the direction of her complete transformation into a “sicaria.” Instead of relying on her connection with Antonio upon their few star-crossed encounters to transform, she builds her own future independently into becoming a woman and sicaria as she is propelled by her search for revenge and justice against the gang members who bullied and raped her. Moreover, the wavering nature of Rosario’s heart for both Emilio and Antonio also contradicts the traditional storyline of having one male and female protagonist destined to be together. I was ultimately unable to predict how she decided who and when she wanted to be with either guy; I found myself becoming divisive throughout the telenovela and taking turns to root for either character, each with their own strengths and flaws.

          Additionally, in further analysis of “Rosario Tijeras,” I found the representation within the telenovela to be very compelling, as it mirrors the high violence, gender roles (specifically of women), and the disparity of wealth distribution in Columbia’s society in the 1980’s. Within many Latin neighborhoods at this time, drug cartels, prostitution, rape, and arms dealing were not uncommon. I feel that with the reputation of the characters and even the environment that we see Antonio lives in (a gated mansion) versus Rosario (one story building with cramped rooms), we are able to visibly observe the stark contrasts between the rich and the poor, especially as they are of different sexes. Antonio, a dashing young man attending a prestigious university, was raised to associate himself only with his country club and private school friends and to not stray to the “slummish neighborhoods.” While men in this time period were encouraged to get their education and marry a young woman in order to take care of her and the kids, he is idolized in his family as the “good kid” or the “popular one” that give speeches/creates inspiration for spur of the moment fashion shows. Alternatively, Rosario has always only known that she and her family must work towards making ends meet while also trying to dodge family issues of not having a strong father figure or having to endure severe emotional/physical abuse. She has been exposed to a lifestyle that normalizes selling oneself to old rich men and exploitive drug cartel activity. As a beautiful young woman, other men like her mother’s boyfriend insist on using her fleeting looks and “virginity” as a means to appeasing older men like el Papa who will “take care of her” instead of going back to school to study and become a doctor. I feel as if I am able to place myself in Rosario’s shoes as I suffer with her in her situational dilemma of wanting to work towards her goals and future but also having to take care of her family and self first. The representation that each character emulates through their dialogue and storyline provides further perspective into how differing lifestyles significantly impact the lives of people in this time period and economy.

          In conclusion, I am very pleased that I am able to analyze such a thrilling yet empathetic telenovela that reflects aspects of life that I have not closely studied or recognized before, such as drug trafficking and prostitution. Encompassing elements of a Cinderella story, narconovela, and a thriller all in one, this telenovela truly seizes the attention of all, like myself, who will sit down to watch and closely analyze the deeper aspects/reasons for the characters and choice of time and setting.