Language is used to give tone, and the author’s word choice is exceedingly important regarding any connotations to the subject. Garcia Marquez takes a brothel; a place normally associated with dirty, degrading activities and glorifies it through the use of language. At Cervantes’ brothel, there are musicians who plan in an “enormous courtyard for dancing lit by lantern gourds bought in the Chinese bazaars of Paramaribo.” (Page 64) The atmosphere created by these words quite serene, the dancing in the courtyard gives the brothel an innocent romantic feeling and the lantern gourds give off a festive tranquil tone. He creates an atmosphere of a peaceful paradise where deep thought and contemplation might take place, not at all like the neon glow
…show more content…
Firstly, Alejandria is a Christian Saint, man’s defender. Her occupation might contradict the title of a saint; however Mary Magdalene is recognized as a Saint by the Catholic Church. Alejandrina could also be derived from the city of Alexandria, the heart of knowledge and learning in Egypt. In “[doing] away with my generation’s virginity” (Page 64), Maria “taught us more than we should have learned” (Page 65). In this sense, Maria could be considered a teacher and mentor, a sharer of knowledge.
Lastly, Cervantes is Spanish for followers of a prophet, in this case Jesus/ Santiago. Maria holds a great amount of respect for Santiago, “she had so much respect for him that she never again went to bed with anyone if he was present.” (Page 65) Servento, very similar to Cervantes is the Spanish word for servant. Her purpose as a prostitute is to serve the sexual desires of …show more content…
Throughout the town she has the reputation of needing very little sleep, “…we used to say that she would go to sleep only once and that would be to die…” (Page 64), “eyes of an insomniac leopard in the darkness” (Page 68)
The other women in Chronicle of a Death Foretold are all characterized as being inferior and controlled by men. However, Maria Alejandrina Cervantes is the one exception. She provides a service to men, she teaches them. She has power over men, unlike most women who must submit completely to the will of their husbands. While providing her service, Maria Alejandrina Cervantes is in control of her male client. Moreover, she doesn’t have to worry about losing her virginity, men can’t take her virginity, she takes men’s
Firstly, Alejandria is a Christian Saint, man’s defender. Her occupation might contradict the title of a saint; however Mary Magdalene is recognized as a Saint by the Catholic Church. Alejandrina could also be derived from the city of Alexandria, the heart of knowledge and learning in Egypt. In “[doing] away with my generation’s virginity” (Page 64), Maria “taught us more than we should have learned” (Page 65). In this sense, Maria could be considered a teacher and mentor, a sharer of knowledge.
Lastly, Cervantes is Spanish for followers of a prophet, in this case Jesus/ Santiago. Maria holds a great amount of respect for Santiago, “she had so much respect for him that she never again went to bed with anyone if he was present.” (Page 65) Servento, very similar to Cervantes is the Spanish word for servant. Her purpose as a prostitute is to serve the sexual desires of …show more content…
Throughout the town she has the reputation of needing very little sleep, “…we used to say that she would go to sleep only once and that would be to die…” (Page 64), “eyes of an insomniac leopard in the darkness” (Page 68)
The other women in Chronicle of a Death Foretold are all characterized as being inferior and controlled by men. However, Maria Alejandrina Cervantes is the one exception. She provides a service to men, she teaches them. She has power over men, unlike most women who must submit completely to the will of their husbands. While providing her service, Maria Alejandrina Cervantes is in control of her male client. Moreover, she doesn’t have to worry about losing her virginity, men can’t take her virginity, she takes men’s