A naive man's sacred promise is transformed into a conflict over religion, discrimination, politics, and institutional power.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Promise Takes Shape
Zé's donkey falls terminally ill, and he makes a vow to Iansan. After the donkey recovers, Zé commits himself to giving away his land and carrying a cross to church.
Key Events
A Landowner in Nordeste — Zé is introduced as a landowner from Nordeste. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Nordeste
The Donkey Falls Ill — Zé's beloved donkey becomes terminally ill. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Zé's farm
A Desperate Vow — Zé makes a religious promise for the donkey's recovery. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Zé's farm
The Vow to Iansan — Zé vows to give land to the poor and carry a cross to church. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Zé's farm
The Donkey Recovers — The donkey recovers, making Zé's vow binding in his eyes. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Zé's farm
The Cross Is Prepared — Zé begins the pilgrimage carrying the promised cross. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Zé's farm
The Pilgrimage to Salvador
Zé and Rosa begin the long journey from their farm to Salvador. Their arrival outside Saint Bárbara Church brings Zé to the institution that must decide whether to accept his vow.
Key Events
The Cross Is Prepared — Zé begins the pilgrimage carrying the promised cross. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Zé's farm
The Long Journey Begins — Zé and Rosa leave the farm for Salvador. Characters: Zé do Burro, RosaLocation: Road from the farm
Seven Léguas to Salvador — The couple travels approximately seven léguas toward Salvador. Characters: Zé do Burro, RosaLocation: Pilgrimage route
Arrival at Saint Bárbara — Zé and Rosa arrive outside the church with the cross. Characters: Zé do Burro, RosaLocation: Outside Saint Bárbara Church
The Priest Questions the Vow — The local priest hears the explanation for Zé's pledge. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Saint Bárbara Church
The Church Refuses Entry — The priest refuses the cross because the pledge is considered pagan. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Saint Bárbara Church
A Vow Becomes Controversy
The priest rejects the cross after learning that the pledge is connected to a Candomblé orisha. Candomblé worshippers and sensationalist newspapers reinterpret Zé's innocent promise for their own purposes.
Key Events
The Church Refuses Entry — The priest refuses the cross because the pledge is considered pagan. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Saint Bárbara Church
Zé Becomes a Public Figure — Zé's rejected vow draws public attention around the church. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Outside Saint Bárbara Church
Candomblé Worshippers Intervene — Candomblé worshippers seek to use Zé against discrimination. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Outside Saint Bárbara Church
A Symbolic Leadership Claim — The worshippers attempt to make Zé a leader in their conflict. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Outside Saint Bárbara Church
Newspapers Reframe the Promise — Sensationalist newspapers portray Zé's land promise as communist reform. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Salvador
The Promise Becomes Political — Zé's personal religious vow is transformed into a political controversy. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Salvador
The Cross at the Church
The conflict concentrates at the church entrance as Zé tries to complete his vow. Police shoot him, and the Candomblé worshippers use his body and the cross to force their way inside.
Key Events
The Promise Becomes Political — Zé's personal religious vow is transformed into a political controversy. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Salvador
The Church Standoff — Zé remains outside while competing groups surround his vow. Characters: Zé do Burro, RosaLocation: Outside Saint Bárbara Church
Police Block the Entrance — Police prevent Zé from entering the church. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Saint Bárbara Church entrance
Zé Is Shot — Zé is shot by police during the attempt to enter. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Saint Bárbara Church entrance
The Body Enters the Church — Candomblé worshippers place Zé's body on the cross and force entry. Characters: Zé do BurroLocation: Saint Bárbara Church
Story Breakdown
Rural Life — The story begins with Zé's land, his donkey, and the crisis that prompts his vow.
Vow to Iansan — Zé promises land and a pilgrimage if the donkey recovers.
Promise Fulfilled — The donkey recovers, and Zé treats the promise as an obligation that must be completed.
Donkey Recovers — The recovery activates Zé's commitment to the vow.
Cross Prepared — Zé takes up the heavy cross for the journey.
Pilgrimage Begins — Zé and Rosa travel from the farm toward the church in Salvador.
Road to Salvador — The couple crosses the long distance toward the destination.
Rosa Accompanies Zé — Rosa remains with Zé during the pilgrimage.
Church Rejection — The local priest refuses to accept the cross after learning the religious basis of the pledge.
Arrival at Church — Zé and Rosa reach the church with the cross.
Pagan Pledge Rejected — The priest rejects the vow because it is linked to Iansan.
Public Manipulation — Different groups reinterpret Zé's personal promise and attempt to use it for broader causes.
Candomblé Mobilization — Worshippers seek to use Zé against discrimination by the Catholic Church.
Newspaper Distortion — Newspapers portray the land promise as a communist call for reform.
Violent Resolution — The dispute at the church becomes fatal, but Zé's body and cross become symbols of resistance.
Police Shooting — Police shoot Zé to prevent his entry into the church.
Forced Church Entry — Worshippers place Zé's body on the cross and force their way inside.
Zé is a very poor man whose most prized possession is his donkey. When his donkey falls terminally ill, Zé makes a promise to Saint Bárbara: If his donkey recovers, he will carry a cross - like Jesus - all the way from his city to Saint Bárbara's church, in the state capital. Upon the recovery of his donkey, Zé leaves on his journey. He makes it to the church, but the priest refuses to accept the cross once he discovers the context of Zé's promise.
