The inclusion of Trujillo makes for a much more cautious atmosphere because most of the society feels oppressed. This changes the tone by adding intimidation. Anytime Trujillo is mentioned, the reader becomes weary of what may happen because he is so powerful and ruthless. In this section of the book especially, it seems like everyone in some way is connected to Trujillo. He affects the lives of all, and divides the country into two sides-- Trujillo's and those who are oppressed by him. No matter which side one falls on they must live in fear. At one point, Beli tells the Gangster she wants to be like him because he is "free" (134). Those who are on Trujillo's side are not confined by finances because they have all the money they could ever need and more, and they are not restricted by any racism or other bias imposed on society by Trujillo's reign. This gives everyone else the impression that everyone who is in with Trujillo is "free." They do not have to hide from the police as Arquimedes does, they do Trujillo's reign no one is really free. Those on Trujillo's side may have high standing in society, but every day they have to live with the guilt of all the crimes they have committed. Even the Gangster, someone who appears to have everything he could ever want, cries himself to sleep most nights because he is" tormented by his crimes" (125). His love life is also restricted, as he has to leave Beli frequently and his own marriages with Trujillo's wife was created as protection of his safety and financial standing. The addition of Trujillo into the story means everyone is enslaved, whether on his side or not.
As we learn more about Beli's past, we learn more about why she treats Lola so harshly. First off, Lola is a constant reminder of the Gangster, a man who traded in love for money under the reign of Trujillo. For Beli, Lola is a lesson that love does not exist and does not work out. Beli thought that having a child would trap the Gangster with her and be a gateway into a perfect domestic life in Miami. While we do not know quite yet how her story with the Gangster ends, we do know it does not work out the way Beli always envisioned. Lola is also a disappointment to Beli because she wanted a son because that is what the Gangster wanted. If Lola were a son, she would be able to fulfill the Gangster's wishes and, ironically, make him into a doctor just like La Inca wanted to do with her. In these ways, Lola will always be a constant disappointment to Belie and a reminder of her failures.
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