Esteban Symbolism

Esteban’s desperateness to find Alba shows his love towards the only meaningful person left in his life. Without Alba, Esteban becomes nothing more than a “poor destroyed old man.” The reform-like actions taken by Esteban, saving his old foe and daughter, and having a beautiful bond with his granddaughter illustrate a moral revival in him. Esteban’s reforming and mending of his relationships towards the end of his life creates sympathy, proving further Howard’s claim that despite Esteban’s nefarious acts, the reader retains sympathy for the “old monster.”
The forgiveness Blanca and Pedro Tercero shows exemplifies Howard’s point. Even Blanca and Pedro, after Esteban causes them endless distress, forgive him. Esteban has successfully healed his