Summary of Dead Stars

By: Paz Marquez Benitez

The story of the short story Dead Stars revolves around a man, Alfred Salazar, and his
affairs. Alfred Salazar believes in true love and optimism to discover ecstasy in its stir.
Esperanza is the first woman he falls in love with.

The families of both of them are acquainted with each other and hence they start a
loving relationship. Both get engaged after three years of their relationship. Alfredo is
a lawyer who has strong desires and wants warmth and compassion, however,
Esperanza is an impassionate woman having strong will and principles. Alfredo’s love
for her soon fades away when he meets Julia. Julia, now, becomes a new object of his
desire.

Julia Salas is sister in law of the Judge, who is a friend of Alfredo’s father. Julia is an
optimistic and enthusiastic person having her own dreams and desires.

When Alfredo comes across her, he is strongly attracted to her. On his visit to her
with his father, he engages himself in conversation with her and is attracted to her
charm. Even he is so passionate that he doesn’t disclose his engagement to Esperanza.

So as to avoid the discovery of his fiance, he keeps secrets from Esperanza too. His
eyes are doomed when he learns about Julia’s return to his native town. With the fear
of losing her, Alfredo decides to declare his true feeling for Julia.

When the Church’s function ends, Alfredo goes to meet her, though his fiance is
waiting for him. When he reaches there, he learns that Julia has already known about
his engagement to Esperanza. She wishes him for his marriage and leaves him.

On his return home, he gets a double blow. He finds Esperanza talking to her friend
about loyalty and faithfulness. Alfredo senses a desire to communicate. He supports
the reason for craving and choice over dishonesty.

Esperanza soon confesses that she knew about his affair with Julia. In pursuit of his
lust and heart’s content, she encourages him to cancel the wedding. However, the
wedding goes ahead as scheduled and Alfred surrenders to reason.

Near Julia’s native town, Alfred, after eight years, is sent to some work duty. On his
visit, he feels nostalgic and cannot resist his lust for Julia and soon finds an excuse to
meet her.

Julia is still single that forces Alfred to dream about starting a new life with her;
however, he soon realizes that everything is not the same as it were before. Moreover,
Julia has also changed lost something.