Clorinda Matto de Turner's novel, "Aves sin nido," published in July 1889, caused controversies amongst intellectuals. Some praised the novel for its accurate portrayal of Peruvian life. Others condemned it for its social critique of the national model of Peru and for its anticlerical tone. Whether praising or condemning Matto's most famous novel, there is no denying that the novel is based around the idea of the native culture of Peru exemplified through the characters of the novel. The novel highlights the oppression faced by the Indians through a triad, consisting of the judge, the governor, and the church. .
The first element of the triad is the judge. The judge, Verdejo, is seen as a corrupt force when faced with the inquiry into the attack on MarĂn's house. He overlooks the evidence and accepts the view of the local gentry that the blame lies with the village sexton. The local officials are constantly seen plotting together and are only interested in what they can gain from exploiting others. "Matto de Turner's explanation for the corrupting nature of the juridico-political structure is a lack of education" (Turner, Hudson 16). Matto de Turner's explanation for the corrupting nature of the juridico-political structure is a lack of education. In this case, the judge is virtually illiterate and he needs someone else to write things down form him. .
The second element of the triad is governor. The governor, Pancorbo, is described as only having an elementary education during the three years he spent at a city school. "At times, the reader could be misleading into thinking that the plight of the Indians is due to this corrupt governing body and that if they were to comply with their obligations, the problems could be resolved," (Turner, Hudson 26). At times, the reader could be mislead into thinking that the plight of the Indians is due to this corrupt governing body and that if they were to comply with their obligations, the problems could be resolved.