Why do you think Allende chose the girl rather than the man as the victim in her story?

Isabel Allende often explores themes of gender, power, and vulnerability in her works. By choosing a girl as the victim rather than a man, she may highlight the innocence and fragility of youth, as well as the societal injustices faced by women. This choice can serve to evoke empathy and draw attention to broader issues of gender inequality and the impact of violence on the most vulnerable members of society. Ultimately, it underscores the need for protection and empowerment of girls in a world that often marginalizes them.