Two Words by Isabel Allende

Question: What might the two words have been? Why doesn't Allende tell us? What would be the two words that could make or break your life? When have you used words to your advantage? Explain.

I feel that two words Belisa told the Colonel were "I love you" which in Spanish/Mexican translates to "Te amo". The Colonel spent his entire life fighting in the civil war and was always associated with violence and devastation. All the Colonel wanted was to be wanted and loved by his people and no longer feared. I believe that the Colonel hearing the words "Te amo" even just by one person, was enough to completely change his life. It completely changed him as a person and he became a much more happy and positive person after hearing it. Being loved is something that everyone on this planet desires, whether they show it or not. I feel that reason Allende did not tell us the two words are because the same way the Colonel needed to hear those two specific words by someone, we as individuals also need to hear our own specific words for them to have an impact on us. For example, telling someone who has a big family full of love "Te amo" would not have nearly as big of an impact on them as it would have on someone like the Colonel who is craving love. Personally I sometimes use words and manipulate them to fit my needs. They serve as little notes of motivation for me to continue to do what I am doing or to encourage me to mature as a person.

Skyler Gonzales