The richness and complexity of Under the Volcano allows me to try a
less than conventional approach - to examine Yvonne as her own
discourse. Yvonne is examined predominantly by her relationship to
Jacque and Hugh. Moreover, the conventional examination leads
critics and readers to focus on how the relationships affect
Geoffrey. Yvonne is a complex character whose examination in her
own discourse can bring a new point of view or understanding to
Under the Volcano. A more careful reading reveals a powerful
supporting cast with stories of their own. Alcoholism has profound
effects on both the alcoholic and his network. Alcoholism is the
center of my focus here as the creation of self by Yvonne. Try to
examine Yvonne through three rather interrelated and predictable
dimensions: as savior, adult child of an alcoholic and tragic
figure. First, as an archetype, she is portrayed as a "Savior."
Second, this need to save calls for a more complex examination of
Yvonne's psychological persona as co-dependent "Adult Child of an
Alcoholic". Third, Yvonne is a classic "Tragic Figure" whose need
to help the Consul results in her own death. The dimensions are
concurrently independent and interrelated. The resulting
representation as savior has its roots in complex psychological
development and results is her tragic end.