Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna

Amelia, Petra’s six-year-old sister, is the youngest daughter in her family and looks to her older sister, Petra, for guidance and support.

Though she is still a small child, the death of her mother and the loss of her father to the Federales draft has forced Amelia to take on a slew of daily responsibilities. Since losing her parents, “Amelia’s days are full of chores,” which largely consist of taking care of her baby brother and helping her sister and grandmother to cook and clean (31). Having such responsibilities means that Amelia does not have much time to play and simply be a child. She often “act[s] as though she [doesn’t] mind,” indicating that despite her young age, Amelia is very much aware of her family’s difficult situation and is willing to put on a happy face to appease her loved ones.

In addition to caring about her family members, Amelia also cares deeply for animals. Petra says, she often “claim[s] our animals [are] her friends” and spends any free time she is allowed “playing and conversing with our donkeys, chickens, or our goat” (31). Amelia goes so far as to name each animal despite warnings against it, and repeatedly tells them explicitly that she loves them, illustrating her kind and caring spirit.

Abuelita is an elderly woman living in Mexico in the early 20th century. She is a grandmother to Petra, Amelia, and Luisito, the mother of their father. Abuelita is a traditional woman and has spent her life taking care of her home, her husband, and her children. Having experienced discrimination because of her Indigenous background and poverty, Abuelita believes she survived because she knew her place and dedicated an entire lifetime to serving her family. Abuelita expects Petra and Amelia to survive the same way, following a similar path. Knowing that Petra tends to stray from that path, Abuelita often criticizes Petra’s dreams to learn to read, write, and even become a teacher. Unlike Petra, who is young and has big dreams for herself, Abuelita is comparatively more reserved and stoic, urging Petra to let go of her “barefoot dreams” and “be content with what you have” (52).

Abuelita’s beliefs about what women are meant to do in society are, in part, motivated by a desire to protect herself and her family. Her own mother taught her that “a woman’s job is to take care of her man” and submit to him completely (97)—this is how she will be provided for and survive the world’s hardships. When Petra begins talking about joining the rebels as a soldier, Abuelita feels she has failed to effectively teach her granddaughter the lessons she herself was taught, and worries about the dangers inherent in Deviating From Cultural Norms and Staying True to Oneself. While she is initially upset about Petra’s proclivity for “unladylike” behavior, Abuelita eventually comes around to the idea of Petra joining the rebels. Her ability to step back and reevaluate the situation indicates that she is a level-headed and empathetic woman. Similarly, when the family finally has an opportunity to cross the border into America, Abuelita urges Petra to take her siblings ahead of her as she struggles to keep up with the frantic crowd running toward the gates. Abuelita’s willingness to sacrifice herself for the sake of her grandchildren shows how deeply she cares for them.

Papá is a father to Petra, Amelia, and Luisito. Before getting hauled away by the Federales to fight in the Revolution, Papá urges Petra to look after the rest of the family; in exchange, he promises to return. His promise to return to his family despite not knowing what the future holds for any of them shows how deeply he cares about his loved ones.

A man of integrity, hopeful for the future, Papá is often pushing his daughters to “learn more” than what their culture considers appropriate for women, such as cooking and cleaning. His encouragement has a profound impact on Petra in particular, who essentially takes over his role as the family’s breadwinner once he is sent off to war. Petra’s willingness to do work traditionally considered “men’s” work if it means being able to better provide for her family indicates the influence Papá has had on her.

Similar to Petra, Papá had always “dreamt of a better life” (97). It was when he was Petra’s age that he first expressed disdain for living at the mercy of those in authority who abused their power. Abuelita once tells Petra her father is “just like [her],” further suggesting that he has had a powerful impact on Petra’s life, personality, and values.

Mamá is a mother to Petra, Amelia, and Luisito. Mamá dies giving birth to Luisito. Her children remember her as a kind and joyful woman who cared deeply for her family. Mamá knew her daughters well and did what she could to bring them comfort and joy in their daily life, such as preparing their favorite foods. Her children’s difficulty talking about her even a year after her passing indicates the pain they continue to endure in the wake of her absence.

Adeline is a white girl living in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. Adeline meets Petra while they are staying at a camp for folks escaping the Federales. When she first sees Petra, Adeline immediately introduces herself and they become fast friends. She teaches Petra how to spell her name and brings bread from the dining hall to share with her. When Petra offers to teach her how to make the bread, Adeline is both enthusiastic and deeply grateful. Adeline used to have an older sister who passed away in an accident. Once she meets Petra, she sees an opportunity for a new friendship, perhaps one that could be as meaningful as the relationship she had with her sister. Adeline telling Petra she reminds her of her sister suggests that she sees her new friendship as an important connection. Adeline goes so far as to ask Petra to come with her and her mother to America, further indicating that she values significant connection to those in her life.

Marietta, a rebel captain of the Mexican revolutionary forces in the early 20th century. Given the norms for women in her historic and cultural context, Marietta does not fit the mold of a typical woman. Unlike most women in her society, she is unmarried and does not work in the home. Addressed by the folks in her camp solely as “captain,” Marietta is highly respected by her community.

Though she is someone of a stoic, Marietta is a compassionate and empathetic woman. She helps Petra get Luisito to a doctor after she stumbles upon them begging in the street. Seeing potential in Petra, Marietta encourages her to join the rebels and become a soldier. Marietta serves as a major role model for Petra, who does wish to be a housewife, but rather a woman Deviating From Cultural Norms and Staying True to Oneself like Marietta.

When Petra ultimately rejects Marietta’s invitation to join the rebels, Marietta is understanding. That she goes so far as to tell Petra that she admires her and all she does for her family highlights the fact that Marietta can recognize a strength in Petra that Petra herself has yet to discover.