In Katherine Anne Porter's "Maria Concepcion", the explicit story diminishes in importance as one examines the implicit meanings. While it is often hard to explain the actions of the characters in the story, if one examines some core themes implicitly lain throughout the story these actions begin to become clear. There are definite parental overtones in the actions of the supporting characters (the townsfolk and Givens). These parental overtones are supplemented by the presence of religion and its moral obligations and supportive nature primarily in Maria Concepcion, but also in Juan and the townsfolk. With all the supportive helpful forces found in the parental and religious aspects, the destructive force is represented in the sexual desires of the main characters. All of these forces and overtones are feeding into the power of the characters. The examination of source and use of power in the different characters has an intricate part in the shaping of "Maria Concepcion" as a story.
             Givens, the head of the dig site, is the prime example of protective power in "Maria Concepcion." He is a rich man with no family of his own, yet he has taken on a parental role to the villagers he employs. With Givens' age comes wisdom. Through his wisdom he grew wealthy, but it is also said of wisdom, "A wise man has great power and a man of knowledge increases strength" (Proverbs 24:5). With his wisdom comes the power to aid Juan, and with money comes the status to do so. He views himself as a father to Juan so he is naturally inclined to bail him out in the last moment when Juan would otherwise face certain peril. Givens also takes on a protective role towards Maria Concepcion. She herself notes that Givens does not take shame in the fact that he must prepare his own food. Givens is not ashamed of preparing his own food, because in his mind he has Maria in his life. He has her bring h...