Throughout the novel "The House of the Spirits" by Isabel Allende the reader sees many examples that exemplify the antagonistic nature of man towards woman. Through Esteban Trueba the rape of many women in Tres Marias, his marriage with Clara, his relationship with his daughter Blanca and her with her lover Pedro Terzo Garcia and with the relationship of Alba Trueba with her lover Miguel and her grandfather Esteban, very of what Allende wants that the reader knows the nature of man compared to woman is exposed. Nature pits man against woman, in marriage, in love, in sex, in work and in war women can choose their battles and fight them subtly , without appearing to be, because all women know that men like to think they are in charge when in reality they are not, and that men will fight every battle just to prove that they are men. Triumph over a weaker opponent no longer makes them strong, it just makes them feel powerful writes about women who succeed to persevere in silence, always managing to get what they want, without seeming too much, because they know that the only way to make men happy is to make them feel powerful and responsible. Since she was a child, Clara knew that silence was a virtue. He chose to remain silent for nine years because he felt that “talking was useless” (73) and that he could get what he wanted without having to fight or argue. She just had to act like she was perfectly happy in every situation when in reality she would adjust the circumstances to become something much more pleasant for her. Her silence “was [her] last refuge” (113), she retreated into herself when she felt upset and had no other outlet for her pain and suffering. Esteban “considered [Clara's silence] a virtue” (88) but did not really understand C...... middle of paper ......s him, whether it is his wife, his daughter or his Work. The antagonistic nature of man towards woman is illustrated through Allende's description and Clara and Esteban's reactions. Men and women are at opposite ends of the spectrum of human nature, women know that men like to think they are in charge, because it gives them power, so women indulge in this little whim for the peace of mind and happiness that is essential in any relationship. Their instincts make their influence far more threatening and rebellious than the anger of a man who doesn't get what he wants. The women of Allende's world are vibrant, spiritual, sensitive and loving, the men are volatile, strong and passionate and although they may be stereotyped, they help portray the true nature of man in relation to woman. Women may be physically weaker than men, but they can match ingenuity and daring with them at any time.