Throughout the novel “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende, the reader sees many examples that illustrate the antagonistic nature of man and the woman. Through the work of Esteban Trueba the rape of many women of Tres Marias, his marriage with Clara, his relationship with his daughter Blanca and her with her lover Pedro Tercero Garcia and with Alba Trueba's relationship with her lover Miguel and his grandfather Esteban, much of what Allende wants from the reader Nature pits man against woman, in marriage, love, sex, work and war. Women can choose their battles and fight them subtly, without really seeming to, because all women know that. men like to think they are in charge when they really aren't, and that men will fight every battle just to prove they are men. Triumph over a weaker opponent does not make men stronger, it only makes them feel powerful. writes about women who are able to quietly persevere, always managing to do what they want, without seeming too much, because they know that the only way to make men happy is to let them feel powerful and responsible . Even as a child, Clara knew that silence was a virtue. She chose to remain silent for nine years because she felt that “talking was no use” (73) and that she could do what she wanted without having to fight or argue. She just had to act like she was perfectly happy in any situation when in reality she was adjusting the circumstances to become something much more pleasant for her. Her silence “was [her] last refuge” (113), she retreated into herself when she felt troubled and had no other outlet for her pain or suffering. Esteban "considered [Clara's silence] as a virtue" (88) but he didn't really understand C...... middle of paper ...... it's him, whether it's his wife, his daughter or her job. The antagonistic nature of man against woman is illustrated through Allende's description and Clara and Esteban's reactions. Men and women are on 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 give in to this little whim for the peace of mind. spirit and happiness which are essential. in any relationship. Their instincts make their influence far more threatening and rebellious than the rage of a man who doesn't get what he wants. The women in Allende's world are dynamic, witty, sensible and loving, the men are volatile, strong and passionate, although they may be stereotypical, they help portray the true nature of man in relation to woman. Women may be physically weaker than men, but they can compete in intelligence and daring at any time..