Frida Kahlo - Capítulo 1

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12 Jan 202105:16

Summary

TLDRThe first chapter of 'Arriba Calor' focuses on Guillermo Kahlo, originally Wilhelm, a young German who left his homeland after a difficult family life. Sent to Mexico by his father, Wilhelm adopts the name Guillermo and begins a new life. He meets Matilde Calderón, a woman haunted by the recent tragedy of her fiancé’s suicide. Despite their instant connection, Matilde is unaware that Guillermo already has a girlfriend. This chapter sets the stage for Guillermo's new journey and his future relationship with Matilde, mother of the famous artist Frida Kahlo.

Takeaways

🇩🇪 Guillermo Kahlo was originally Wilhelm, a young German who suffered from epilepsy due to a brain injury.
💔 After his mother died, Wilhelm had a strained relationship with his stepmother.
🚢 His father decided it was best for Wilhelm to leave Germany and start a new life, sending him to Mexico in 1891.
🇲🇽 Wilhelm embraced his new identity as Guillermo Kahlo after arriving in Mexico.
💍 Guillermo met Matilde Calderón in a jewelry store and was immediately attracted to her.
🎨 Matilde was of mixed Spanish and Mexican heritage, and her father was a photographer.
😢 Matilde was deeply affected by the suicide of her former German boyfriend, Wilfred, which left her with lasting grief.
🗣 Guillermo's charming German accent evoked deep emotions in Matilde, reminding her of her late boyfriend.
💑 Although Matilde felt a connection with Guillermo, she was unaware that he already had a fiancée.
📸 The chapter sets the stage for how Guillermo Kahlo became part of Mexican culture and history, and his connection to Frida Kahlo's future family.

Q & A

Who is the main subject of the book 'Arriba Calor'?
-The main subject of the book is the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and it is a biography of her life.
Who is introduced in Chapter 1 of the book?
-Chapter 1 introduces Guillermo Kahlo, who was born Wilhelm, a young German man who later became Frida Kahlo's father.
What major event affected Wilhelm's life in Germany?
-Wilhelm suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling, which caused him to experience epileptic seizures. His mother's death and conflict with his stepmother also impacted his life.
Why did Wilhelm decide to leave Germany for Mexico?
-Wilhelm's father decided it was best for him to leave after Wilhelm's stepmother demanded that he find a job and become more independent. His father bought him a ticket to Mexico, believing it would be a good opportunity for him.
How did Wilhelm's life change after arriving in Mexico?
-After arriving in Mexico, Wilhelm adopted the name 'Guillermo' and found work in a jewelry store. He was also drawn to Matilde Calderón, a young woman he met there.
Who is Matilde Calderón and what tragedy did she experience?
-Matilde Calderón is the daughter of a Spanish mother and a Mexican father. She experienced a personal tragedy when her German fiancé, Wilfred, committed suicide in front of her.
What was Matilde's reaction upon meeting Guillermo?
-Matilde felt a deep emotional connection when she heard Guillermo’s German accent, as it reminded her of her late fiancé Wilfred.
Did Guillermo have a relationship with Matilde immediately after meeting her?
-Although Matilde felt an attraction to Guillermo, she was unaware that Guillermo already had a girlfriend at the time.
Why did Matilde feel sadness when she met Guillermo?
-Matilde was reminded of her deceased fiancé Wilfred, whose memory was still deeply present in her life.
How did Guillermo adjust to life in Mexico after emigrating from Germany?
-Guillermo quickly adapted to life in Mexico, speaking Spanish fluently with a charming German accent, and he was able to find work and integrate into Mexican society.

Outlines

00:00

📖 The Early Life of Wilhelm (Guillermo Kahlo)

The first paragraph introduces Wilhelm Kahlo, a young German man whose life was filled with hardship. At 19, Wilhelm suffered a brain injury causing epileptic seizures. Following his mother's death, his relationship with his new stepmother was strained. Wilhelm's stepmother was unpleasant and critical of him, pressuring his father to send him away. Agreeing, his father arranged for Wilhelm to leave Germany for Mexico. Believing this would be an opportunity for Wilhelm to see the world, his father was unaware that this departure would be their last meeting. Wilhelm left for Mexico in 1891.

05:03

💍 Guillermo's First Steps in Mexico and Meeting Matilde

Upon arriving in Mexico, Wilhelm—now called Guillermo—quickly became fond of the country. One day, while seeking work in a jewelry store, he met a young woman named Matilde Calderón, the daughter of a Spanish mother and a Mexican father. Although Guillermo found her attractive and introduced himself politely, Matilde had mixed feelings. She was reminded of her German fiancé, Wilfred, who had tragically committed suicide in front of her. Guillermo's charming accent stirred deep emotions in her, although she was still grieving. Unbeknownst to her, Guillermo was already engaged to someone else.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Guillermo Kahlo

Guillermo Kahlo, originally Wilhelm Kallop, is a central figure in the script. He is introduced as a young German man who moves to Mexico after experiencing family difficulties. His journey from Germany to Mexico sets the stage for his future role in Frida Kahlo's life, as Guillermo is Frida's father. His character is key in understanding the personal history surrounding Frida's family.

💡Epileptic attacks

The script mentions that Wilhelm suffered from epileptic attacks after a head trauma. This is a significant detail as it underscores the physical and emotional struggles he faced, which likely shaped his character and life decisions, including his eventual emigration to Mexico. It adds depth to his personality and the challenges he overcame.

💡Madrastra (Stepmother)

The term 'madrastra' refers to Wilhelm's stepmother, with whom he has a troubled relationship. She is described as an unpleasant woman who does not get along with Wilhelm, which leads to tensions at home. This strained relationship ultimately contributes to Wilhelm's decision to leave Germany, illustrating the difficult family dynamics at play.

💡Mexico

Mexico is the country where Wilhelm (Guillermo) Kahlo emigrates to, and it becomes a central location in the script. His arrival in Mexico marks a turning point in his life and sets the stage for his meeting with Matilde Calderón. Mexico is also where Frida Kahlo would later grow up, making it significant to both Guillermo's and Frida's stories.

💡Matilde Calderón

Matilde Calderón is introduced as Guillermo's love interest and the daughter of a Spanish-Mexican family. Her character is complex, as she is haunted by the memory of her previous German lover who committed suicide. This emotional connection to Guillermo's German heritage draws her to him despite her tragic past, playing a crucial role in the unfolding of Guillermo's personal life.

💡Wilfred

Wilfred is Matilde Calderón’s former German lover, whose suicide deeply affected her. His memory lingers throughout her interactions with Guillermo, as his German accent and appearance remind her of Wilfred. This tragedy adds a layer of emotional complexity to Matilde's character and explains her initial hesitation in fully embracing her feelings for Guillermo.

💡German heritage

German heritage plays a recurring role in the script, particularly through Wilhelm's background and Matilde's connection to her former German lover, Wilfred. This shared heritage becomes a symbolic link between Guillermo and Matilde, despite their different life experiences. It also influences Matilde’s perception of Guillermo, as his accent evokes memories of her lost love.

💡Photography

Photography is highlighted as a profession in both Matilde’s and Guillermo’s families. Matilde’s father is described as a photographer, and later, Guillermo becomes one as well. This shared profession is a subtle connection between the two characters and is an important detail that ties into the broader context of Frida Kahlo’s family, as Guillermo Kahlo was also a well-known photographer in Mexico.

💡Tragedy

Tragedy is a recurring theme throughout the script, particularly in the lives of both Matilde and Guillermo. From Guillermo’s troubled relationship with his stepmother and his epilepsy to Matilde’s emotional trauma after her lover’s suicide, both characters are shaped by tragic events. This theme of tragedy influences their relationship and the decisions they make moving forward.

Highlights

Introduction of Guillermo Kahlo, father of Frida Kahlo, and his early life as Wilhelm, a young German man.

Wilhelm's early struggles, including a head injury that caused him to suffer from epileptic attacks.

After his mother's death, Wilhelm had a difficult relationship with his stepmother, who was critical of him.

Wilhelm's father decided he needed to leave home, purchasing him a ship ticket to Mexico.

Wilhelm arrives in Mexico in 1891 and decides to change his name to Guillermo to better fit in.

Guillermo meets Matilde Calderón, a beautiful young woman, in a jewelry shop and is instantly attracted to her.

Matilde is the daughter of a Spanish mother and a Mexican father, and she finds Guillermo's German accent stirring deep emotions.

A tragic backstory is revealed: Matilde's former lover, a young German named Wilfred, had committed suicide in front of her.

Matilde still carries the emotional weight of this tragedy, even though Guillermo reminds her of her lost lover.

Guillermo, who speaks perfect Spanish with an adorable German accent, is unaware of the sadness in Matilde's heart.

Despite Matilde's growing attraction to Guillermo, she is unaware that he already has a fiancée.

The chapter ends with tension: Matilde's emotional conflict and Guillermo’s hidden relationship.

This first chapter sets the foundation for Guillermo Kahlo's early life and the emotional complexities surrounding his future relationship with Matilde.

The narrative explores the cultural and emotional clashes between European and Mexican identities, as seen through Guillermo's and Matilde's interactions.

Frida Kahlo's family background begins to take shape, with hints of the emotional turbulence that may have influenced her life and work.