remains of the Mexican revolution came the presidency of Lazaro Cardenas. His presidency

takes places between 1934 and 1940, during the time this novel takes place. Cardenas

expropriated foreign-held properties, distributed land to peasants, and instituted reforms to

benefit indigenous people and Mexican workers. Cardenas found it unfair for the Indians to not

be treated as equals, so he demanded rights for Indians. Land holdings were controlled by a

ruling elite. The Indians were encouraged to rise against the landowners and demand their rights.

They have the law on their side and they start to realize they don't deserve to be treated as slaves.

With the help of others, Cardenas breaks up large estates and forces families off of the lands.

The novel is written from the point of view of the author, Rosario Castellanos. However, a seven

year old girl is the narrator through most of "The Nine Guardians". She takes us through the

book by introducing the people surrounding her life and her family's life.

The seven year old girl is the daughter of a wealthy landowner, Cesar Arguello. Since the

Nana is an Indian that lives with this elite, controlling, possessive, landowning family. Despite

leaves her daughter scared and enlightened even more about the people she loves and respects.

things happen, some of the characters are superstitious and believe they pay for their mistakes

she could have stopped it from happening. Perhaps, she punished her mother for not caring

she realizes that it was not his fault she was a female without love and respect from her parents.

through curses given by the sorcerers, especially the Indians. She starts to understand her Nana

fire, her illegitimate cousin is killed in rebellion towards her father, she sees her aunt go crazy,

about her. Her mother only cared and loved Mario. Without Mario, her mother felt she was no

Some common words found in the essay are:
Nine Guardians, Chactajal Nana, Mario Mario, Arguellos Nana, Chactajal It's, Cesar Arguello, Indians Land, Lazaro Cardenas, Nana Indians, Cesar Indian, male supremacy, nine guardians, nine guardians takes, seven girl, don't deserve, seeing parents, child parents, mario mario, parents child, power wealth, nana loves,
Approximate Word count = 1728
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)