The motif of eyes and the gaze pervades the novel, appearing in many characters and contexts. This motif appears in a variety of ways, and it does not always carry a specific consistent meaning. Early in the story, Chula draws attention to Mamá’s watchful eyes on Petrona, describing her eyes as “deep with death” (14), a phrase she later repeats. In the character of Chula herself, the motif appears in her impulse to serve as a lookout in order to protect her family. She takes this role at times in her neighborhood and during the drive to El Salado. Chula also dwells on the image of Pablo Escobar’s eyes, which she sees on television. She describes them as “sepulchral black” and “beady” and wonders if he has the magical power to “change his eyes” (246).

The motif also touches Petrona, who often feels overwhelmed by the sensation of another person’s gaze upon her. When Petrona first meets Gorrión, she observes that “there were Gorrión’s eyes in front of me, attentively watching, pools of brown sucking me up” (66). Petrona feels similarly overpowered by Mami’s interrogating gaze, recalling how “[h]er eyes bore into me” (135).