Chronicle Of A Death Foretold Analysis Essay Example

murders. Santiago's body bears seven stab wounds, which reveal the brutality and hostility towards his existence. It is important to mention that instead of having a qualified doctor conduct the autopsy, they rely on Father Carmen - who is ill-equipped for such a task (pg 189, Arnold Penuel). Father Carmen significantly mutilates Santiago's body to the point where it becomes unrecognizable. This demonstrates the Church's lack of respect for both physical and spiritual essence. Despite weak traditional values, these values do provide some standards for the community to follow. However, forces for change and renewal are even weaker. The town's behavior revolves around negative principles and relies on a morality based on taboos. There is an evident absence of positive leadership within the town; rather than taking proactive actions, they can only react to events (David Riesman: Arnold Penuel). The town continues to adhere to outdated values set by a hypocritical Church and lacks knowledge or willingness to change. Their lack of a true leader hinders them from moving towards a positive direction.The town does not actively prevent evil but rather passively waits for it to occur and only responds when necessary.Additionally, they fail to learn from past mistakesIn Gabriel Marguez's novel, the twins confess to Father Amador that they intentionally killed Santiago but claim innocence due to honor (pg.199). The town strictly adheres to a code of honor, which serves as the foundation for this murder. The twins committed the crime solely to restore their family's honor, believing that their actions were justified in preserving this sense of integrity. Bayordo's code of honor was exceptionally stringent. He ensured that he would gain respect in

the town by purchasing a large house and having an extravagant wedding. However, on their wedding night, he discovered that his wife had betrayed him and lost her virginity before marriage. Outraged and seeing it as a disgrace to himself and his family, he immediately took her back to her home.
The town believed that anyone who violated the code of honor should be punished, regardless of their status. In order to restore honor, Santiago had to die and Angela had to suffer without her desired husband.The family was unsure how to handle this situation so they took what actions they believed were right.The decline of the Church's influence on the community is reflected in their mixed feelings towards the importance of virginity and honor.The contrast between a loveless marriage and the value placed on virginity exposes yet another aspect of decay in the ideal of purity.Bayardo sought a wife solely based on her presumed purity which is why he chose Angela as his brideLove was never present between them and it was evident. They never discussed their interests; they simply got married because they were attracted to each other. In an attempt to replace love, he used his wealth to acquire the largest house in town and host a grand wedding. Bayardo had a tragic experience when he traveled to different towns hoping to find a pure wife, only to discover that the woman he marries is not pure. This mistake causes him to fear getting married again in case his future wife is also impure. However, Angela later regains her virginity and develops a deep love for Bayardo, dedicating her life to his return.

Virginity holds great importance in the town's code of honor, and those who go against this code must face consequences. Ironically, it is Angela, not Santiago, who is seen as the sinner in this situation. Angela goes through a metaphorical death but is reborn through her love for Bayardo. The novel shows how the absence of both love and a strong Church can bring destruction upon a town and often result in loss of lives. Maria Cervantes emerges as a character who provides much-needed love and support to the community; she acts not only as a sexual partner but also as a nurturing mother figure who listens to their problems and offers advice. Without significant changes, this town will never thrive since it heavily relies on the Code of honor and Virginity.The town will be trapped in outdated communal values that hinder progress as long as they are unable to adapt and think independently.