This story reminds me of a fable or a biblical story because of Gregorio’s accident. An artist losing his hands seems like a divine punishment, as if he had stolen and got his arm axed. I didn’t expect there to be much of a story after his accident. What was he to do? I thought. But then he paints using his teeth, proving his determination and passion for his art, and his village recreation in particular. Despite his family continuing to dismiss his talent and devotion to it, I think slowly they start to gain some respect for his perseverance, even though they continue to encourage him to do anything else. To make something of himself. I see a lot of irony in the fact that he truly is making something of himself, in a literal sense and in artistic one. His families discouragement shows a lack within of an artistic and creative ability. I wonder if they feel jealous of Gregorio because he was able to do what he loved for so long and they could not. I think their tears when his art is revealed is telling of their grief for a life absent of passion.
I agree that the parents were very dismissive and unempathetic. However, I think that is more of a lack of understanding than a lack of artistic and creative ability. It could be they are worried about his future, but he is also thirty years old and won the lottery. It is definitely possible, though, sometimes parents don’t know how to express their concerns in a healthy way, and it slowly comes out of control. I’m curious how you felt about the parents and their treatment of their son afterward. Do you think they were babying him in the beginning? Or did you think they were just hoping he would move on to something else now that he couldn’t do art?