Chronicle Of A Death Foretold Chapter 1 Analysis

In Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Marquez depicts a Colombian town in disarray after the murder of a local man twenty seven years ago. As the details of the story emerge, Santiago Nasar’s death is presented in two ways: either as a predestined event or a series of intentional acts by the people of the town. Marquez uses magical realism to enhance this debate, interweaving the supernatural into a realistic narrative in order to convey an atmosphere of mystery and provide evidence supporting both sides of the argument. Santiago’s dream for instance, is used to the convey the inevitability of his death; while Father Amador’s autopsy implies that the actions of the town directly led to murder; the graphic description of Santiago’s death and his …show more content…
In chapter 5, Marquez describes the town as an “open wound” signifying the town’s current vulnerability and pain. This metaphor links to the violent reactions and deaths of some residents which are presented to be as a direct result of Santiago's murder. For example, Hortensia Borte suffered from a “penitential crisis” after the murder while Rogelio de la Flor “didn’t survive the shock” of witnessing the Vicarios savagery. In fact, Marquez includes numerous instances which suggest there was an overwhelming feeling of guilt in the town, undermining the responsibility of fate in the novel for Santiago’s death. The narrator describes this phenomenon as “a common anxiety” yet Angela Vicario, who arguably had the greatest role in determining Santiago’s fate, is presented as completely remorseless. This is conveyed powerfully through Marquez’s use of imagery when Angela gives Santiago’s name to her brothers: “she nailed it [Santiago] to the wall with her well-aimed dart, like a butterfly with no will.” This description consequently presents Angela as unfeeling and brutal as Marquez juxtaposes her violent action, “nailed,” with the peacefulness and vulnerability associated with a“butterfly.” This is reinforced by the lack of emotion in her voice as she “said” Santiago’s name rather than weeps or shouts it. Angela’s impassiveness is then seen later …show more content…
However, Marquez’s use of magical realism obstructs the truth and provides contradictory arguments about the concepts of fate and free will. The portrayal of the supernatural, the violent descriptions, the abundant symbolism and the very structure of the text show how Marquez depicts fate and free will as conflicting answers to an impossible