Life in Mexico

[2] In terms of content, Calderón’s book includes her personal experiences of Mexico from the standpoint of an aristocratic lady, the wife of a Spanish diplomat, a position that allowed her unique immersion into Mexican culture.

[1][5] During her time in Mexico, Calderón observed and recorded two revolutions, as she was caught in the political turmoil of the recently independent nation involving conflict between the liberal federalists and conservative centralists.

[5] With sarcasm and irony, Calderón critiques the male-dominated society (“patriarchy”) associated with Mexican politics, effectively “demystifying” the male elite in a manner that stems from a strong sense of female identity.

[2][5] When describing a scene in which the president is captured, later escapes and the ensuring chaos that results, Calderón writes with a mixture of historical facts and personal reactions, including quotes of the men involved, which elevate her as a “locus of authority” in the narrative.

[5] In witnessing the revolution from the hacienda of San Xavier, she becomes more struck by the sight of ordinary people being forced to fight than the warring factions of significant figures involved in the political spectrum.

Coming from a Scottish and American background, Calderón is also prone to recognize the economic and religious systems of capitalism and Protestantism as solutions to Mexico’s internal problems, which might suggest an imperialist agenda.

[1][2] Despite her scientific knowledge as an educated woman of class, she subverts the male travel writing trope of astute observation of facilities such as the mining industry in favor of focusing on the natural scenery.

One such garment, the peasant china poblana dress, related to both native and Spanish myths and having no single origin, interests Calderón so much, she herself desires to wear it, possibly due to her own mixed nationality and the anxieties caused by her adjustment to marriage and the “otherness” of Mexico.

[4] However, bound by male and class-dominated social strictures, Calderón is strongly advised against it for fear of a scandal related to the dress’ association with prostitution and the impropriety of it for a woman of her stature.

[5] Through her female identification and mixed nationalities, Calderón offers a unique perspective on post-independent Mexico that stands out as the only Mexican travel account of its time written by a woman.