A Magnificent Display of Power

If you type 'define:magnificence' into the Google search field, the first explanation reads:

• impressiveness: splendid or imposing in size or appearance; "the grandness of the architecture"; "impressed by the richness of the flora"

The Princeton website says:

• magnificent - brilliant: characterized by grandeur; "the brilliant court life at Versailles"; "a glorious work of art"; "magnificent cathedrals"; "the splendid coronation ceremony"

Now, taking what we can gather from these explanations and from my own understanding, I think the 'magnificence' in the story pertains to the simultaneous display of control and wrath that the mother unleashes upon the would be sexual predator Vicente. 

'Hell hath no fury, like a woman scorned.' However, the mother is not one to act rashly: She is all at once, the prudent tactician, taking first and foremost the safety and well being of her children into consideration, as well as the bringer of righteous vengeance - impressive, grand, undeniable in her intent. In fact, so effective is her plan that Vicente offers no resistance and asks for no quarter, as it is obvious none will be given. This combination of traits is what characterizes the 'magnificence' in the story.

My feeling after the discussion were mixed. I wanted it to continue, and further explore the effect such an experience may leave upon a child. When I was in treatment, there were many such stories, so I know all too well what these things can do to either sex. Individuals have confided to me that behavior such as promiscuity and other 'attention-getting' attitudes can stem from such incidents. So, it is quite a topic. However, these discussions before were presided over by psychologists, but I still find it of particular interest. If anything, the discussion made me want to look into it more.

As for my own experience... well... this experience is not mine, but I witnessed it happen. It was about six years ago, in Makati that one of my friends got into a dispute with another man over his girlfriend, who was flirting with said friend. Push came to shove and before we knew it, we were standing in a parking lot near 'Capones' with the jealous boyfriend pointing a gun at my friend, the barrel aimed neatly between his eyes. This is where true grit and nerves of steel kick in. I watched calmly as my friend reasoned with the pistol toting man. Telling him that nothing would be gained. Dropping a few names. A real show of bravery. And soon my friend was on the offensive and the guy backed down and left with his girlfriend. My friend Jose could have died that night. But he lived because of his quick wit. No wonder he's an international lawyer (graduated from the Universidad Central de Madrid) in Spain today.