Forbidden Attraction in ‘Corazón Apasionado’

As the wife of Ignacio Melendez, Emperatriz has been careful to avoid having an affair in "Corazón Apasionado." Ignacio has made it clear that he considers infidelity a betrayal that deserves death, but Emperatriz cannot stop her attraction to Diego Lozada. Will Ignacio discover the truth?

Ignacio and Emperatriz

"Corazón Apasionado" likes to avoid subtlety, so Ignacio's spoiled and privileged wife has a name that fits her perfectly. Emperatriz is used to spending her husband's money while lounging by her pool. She enjoys the lifestyle that Ignacio provides, but she is keenly aware of the enormous age difference between them. Nevertheless, she is scared to have an affair because of his threats.

Attraction

At first, Emperatriz tries to ignore her attraction to Diego Lozada. She confides in Patricia to describe the loneliness she feels in her marriage. However, Diego is difficult to ignore because Ignacio constantly finds new jobs for him around the house. To compensate for her feelings, Emperatriz tries her best to snub, avoid, and belittle Diego.

A Dangerous Trip

Emperatriz decides that a vacation will help her avoid Diego and begs Ignacio to let her go alone. However, Ignacio fears for her safety, so he forces her to bring Diego. Her dutiful husband is afraid someone might kidnap her on vacation to ask for a ransom, so he thinks Diego should act as a bodyguard. Unfortunately, the vacation turns into a tragedy. Emperatriz and Diego are in a plane crash and end up on an abandoned island. Although they survive, they discover that the island is not inhabited, their phones do not work, and there is no way to return to civilization.

"Swept Away" Again

"Corazón Apasionado" uses the abandoned island theme to recreate the movie "Swept Away." Although the show makes several changes, the basic concept and plot remain the same. A snobby, rich woman finds herself on an island with someone she considers a servant. The disdain Emperatriz feels for Diego, who she considers a lower class imbecile, is almost identical to the movie. Her childish behavior may be tolerated by Ignacio, but Diego does not have to listen to her while they are away from his employer.

The plot developments follow the pattern of "Swept Away." Initially, Emperatriz and Diego fight and argue. Then, Diego abandons her to survive on her own. She quickly learns that being independent on an island is more difficult than ordering drinks next to a pool. They reconcile and give in to their passions. Although Emperatriz and Diego eventually return home, she fears that continuing the affair will destroy them and that Ignacio will discover the truth.

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