In Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic, the character of Agnes Doyle is scarcely mentioned, yet her role is deeply significant, particularly in relation to the theme of sexism. Through the tragic and grim fate of Agnes, the novel exposes the systemic misogyny and exploitation embedded within the Doyle family and, by extension, critiques broader societal norms. Although her presence in the narrative is minimal, Agnes's story is a powerful commentary on the destructive impact of patriarchal dominance. From the beginning of Mexican Gothic, the focus is on the oppressive atmosphere of High Place and the sinister secrets it harbors. The protagonist, Noem Taboada, arrives at the mansion to investigate the unsettling atmosphere that High Place creates after …show more content…
However, her fate is crucial for understanding the novel’s critique of sexism. Quote 1: Insert a quote that introduces Agnes or hints at her significance. Agnes’s story, revealed in the later chapters, is a harrowing testament to the misogyny perpetuated by Howard Doyle. She was buried alive and consumed by the gloom, a supernatural force that sustains Howard's immortality and the Doyle family’s power. This gruesome punishment is emblematic of the extreme lengths to which Howard will go to maintain control and power, not only over his family but specifically over women. Agnes's fate illustrates the ultimate objectification and dehumanization of a woman, reduced to a mere vessel for the family’s dark legacy. The fact that Agnes’s existence and suffering are barely acknowledged by the family reflects how women’s lives and pains are often marginalized and rendered invisible under patriarchal systems. Quote 2: Insert a quote revealing Agnes's fate and its implications. The importance of Agnes to the theme of sexism is further underscored by her connection to Howard's