Kiss of the Spider Woman: A Tale of Love, Revolution, and Betrayal
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Summary
Kiss of the Spider Woman tells the story of two cellmates in an Argentine prison during a repressive regime. Valentin Arregui Paz is a revolutionary, imprisoned for his political beliefs. Luis Alberto Molina is a homosexual, imprisoned for corruption of minors. To pass the time, Molina recounts his favorite movies, offering a fantastical escape from their harsh reality.
Molina’s Movies
Molina’s vivid retellings include:
- The Panther Woman
- Leni and the German Officer
- The Maid and the Boy
- I Ran the South American Boy or with the Car
- The Woman Around the Zombie
- The Star Reporter and Drama
These stories serve as a backdrop to the developing relationship between the two men.
A Complex Relationship
The prison director offers Molina conditional release in exchange for information about Valentin’s revolutionary group. As their relationship deepens, Molina becomes increasingly conflicted. He cares for Valentin when he becomes ill, and they even share intimate moments. Both men confide in each other about their loved ones outside the prison walls: Valentin’s girlfriend, Marta, and Molina’s boyfriend, Gabriel.
Betrayal and Tragedy
Upon his release, Molina is closely monitored by the authorities. He attempts to contact Valentin’s group, but is intercepted. Mistaken for an informant, Molina is killed by the revolutionaries. Valentin, already weakened by torture, also dies. The novel concludes with Valentin dreaming of his mother and Molina.
Main Characters
Molina
A 37-year-old gay man and stained-glass designer, Molina is sentimental, caring, and devoted to his mother. He embraces his femininity and finds solace in the world of cinema.
Valentin
A 26-year-old revolutionary ideologue, Valentin is intellectual, committed to his ideals, and reserved. He develops a complex relationship with Molina.
Gabriel
A former footballer and restaurant porter, Gabriel is Molina’s boyfriend. He is hardworking and principled, facing economic hardship after losing his factory job.
Themes and Conclusion
Kiss of the Spider Woman explores themes of love, betrayal, and political oppression in 1970s Argentina. It highlights the struggles of individuals caught in a repressive regime and the complexities of human connection under duress. The novel offers a poignant reflection on the power of fantasy, the search for identity, and the devastating consequences of political violence.