Ep 10/11: The Alpha feMale
- Thelma Annan
- Apr 30, 2016
- 3 min read
There is no denying that Dona Teresa is the definition of an alpha dog. The way she commands discipline and respect makes me wonder what she must have gone through in order to get into the powerful position that she currently resides in.
When it comes to the Grand Hotel, the power structure between genders is an unique one. Typically in period pieces, there is a clear hierarchy of authority and respect when it comes to class as well as gender; men are always placed first and foremost followed by women within the same class. From the historic shows and films that I've seen, a business or home would be taken away from a woman who was not wed or in the event of her father/husband’s death, all properties/businesses would be passed down to the next available male heir. In this situation, that would be Javier. However he has proven time and time again that he is unable to fulfill his patriarchal duties; and frankly it doesn't seem like Dona Teresa is willing to give up her new position of power quite so easily. Since Don Alarcon mysteriously passed away, Dona Teresa has happily taken his place at the head of the family, both emotionally and financially. She runs the entire Grand Hotel, utilizing men from every class to abide by her rules.
Outwardly, Dona Teresa appears to be absolutely ruthless, rarely showing affection to her own children without an ulterior motive. As the season unfolds however, it is clear that there is a method to her madness. When Sophia argues with Dona Teresa regarding her decision to have Javier replace Diego as hotel manager instead of Alfredo she responds: "Life is never fair. As a woman you should know that." Another instance comes when it is discovered that Diego was intimidate with both Belen and Cristina even though he claims that he has always loved Alicia. In her frustration, Dona Teresa mocks him stating: "Is that how you respect her? Sleeping with maids?" She continues to put him in his place, ending with: "Everything is because of me. You don't have power over me or the hotel." The theme of gender differences is rarely brought up within the show, much less by the characters themselves. So when Dona Teresa makes these statements, I instantly took notice. This episode struck me the most, because it is impossible to imagine Dona Teresa coming secondary or being powerless to any woman OR man or. So for her to verbally hint at these gendered prejudices exposes the hardships she must have overcome to obtain her current position. It also explains why she is constantly defensive and unforgiving in her actions.
Although arranging her daughters Sofia and Alicia into marriage, Sophia to Alfredo (a marquis: a high status man, born into a wealthy family) and soon to be Alicia with Diego (who is of a lower class, but was Don Alarcon's apprentice and helped Dona Teresa with the hotel, therefore raising his status); Dona Teresa constantly reminds Alfredo and Diego of their place— below her. She rarely gives them respect. In fact, she constantly toys with Alfredo, Diego and even Javier's emotions, forcing them to compete for her approval. She extends this power throughout the season in different instances. She blackmails Sofia’s doctor to lie about her miscarriage, she instantly confronts and throws out Don Bernando for trying to recruit her staff for his own hotel, and she threatens General Herrera’s honor if he chooses to proceed with dueling. As heartless as she may seem, everything Dona Teresa does is for her family and to upkeep the reputation of the hotel; something she worked so hard to establish.
I think what draws me so much to the Grand Hotel series in general, is the strong representations and personalities of the women within the show. It seems as if the Grand Hotel has a greater concern for class than they do with gender. The female characters increasingly exude power over the men— socially, emotionally, mentally, sexually, etc. Belen over Andres, Angela over Don Benjamin and the entire hotel staff, Sofia over Alfredo, and Dona Teresa over everyone. In the series, women are promoted to possess selfish and dominating qualities best associated with men, but more so as a means of survival and overcoming prejudice, rather than simply framing them as villains. Well, at least not entirely.