2 ?b90

163
that he has done this by adopting an outward-looking attitude, by becoming
aware of the potential of the invisible, in the form of the image.
Enrique Aredo contrasts sharply in temperament with Fibo. This
singles him out as a prime target; he is by no means the innocent victim.
Whereas Fibo pounces on situations, Aredo is the type of person to whom
things inevitably happen. His weakeness, readily available wealth and
obesity, compared with Fibo's mulatto blood and lower social status, are
factors that make him an object of mockery for the common herd, which is
quite conscious that he is "different" in more ways than one (1,117).
Aredo's game of chance is rather perverse2 even masochistic,, involving
the opposite principle to that of Fibo. Jordi Cuervarolliot initiates
his pupils into the experience of being the victims of the unexpected, as
does Fibo in a more negative way. The reaction Cuervarolliot demands is
exactly the kind that Josd Eugenio is prepared to give in his personal
circumstances. The aim is to make the most of the chance event (to catch
the bread),, thus avoiding regrettable consequences (in this case ridicule,
spilled water jugs, etc. ). Indeed, the essential thing is not to allow
oneself to be a victim at all, to keep alert. In keeping with his cha-
racter as portrayed so far, Aredo is a passive observer in this game,
risking personal ridicule so that he may enjoy the discomfiture of others.
Again this way of looking at events is described in terms of sexuality:
"EAredoJ sentia la sAdica voluptuosidad de rebasar una medida, como si
su sexualidad ...
tuviese que atraversar el Cipango del azar y de la
coincidencia de todas sus posibles en una afortunada coordenada" (1,119-
20). Firstly we have two characters who devote themselves to chance
and coincidence, to sadism and masochism, respectively, to active and
passive roles which are parasitic. Their enjoyment depends on others'
pain or embarassment. Secondly, we have Josd Eugenio,, refusing to
allow himself to be manipulated in any way, prepared to go a step further