Chronicle of a Death Foretold

Chapter 1: Analysis Questions

While reading the introductory chapter, annotate for the common elements of craft and then
answer each of the following questions in at least 3-4 concise sentences.

DO NOT RESEARCH THESE ONLINE!

CHALLENGE YOUR INTELLECT AND DO THE WORK YOURSELF!

1. There are two significant dreams simply in the first paragraph of the novel. Choose ONE of
them and analyze the meaning of the dream and any relevant symbolism, weaving in direct
quotes as necessary:
One of Santiago Nazar’s dreams is of him flying, alone, in a tinfoil airplane through a grove of
almond trees while avoiding all obstacles that came towards him. Santiago’s flying through the
trees without hitting any obstacles represents his way of moving through life by going between
any issues that he faced at breakneck speed. The fact that the aforementioned plane is made of
tinfoil shows that Nazar, had he hit anything, would have broken the plane representing his
fragile life.

2. Identify TWO examples in the chapter where the narrator seems to portray the church in a
negative light, providing a direct quote for each:

1. The area surrounding the church, including the stones that reached the front steps of the
church “looked like a trash heap, with empty bottles and all manner of debris from the
public festivities.” This paints the church in a negative light because it is described as
disgusting which is not something desirable for any official building

2. A statue of a saint within the church was said to be “[turnt]... to plaster dust”, this paints
the church in a negative light because it shows a possible weakening power of the church
as well as the violence that surrounds religion.

3. Discuss a specific example of Falconry in this chapter, whether literal or figurative, and
explain its significance, weaving in a direct quote to support your example and analysis.
One example of falconry in this chapter is when Santiago Nazar attempts to “tame” Divina Flor.
This example relates to falconry because it is known that Santiago Nazar already tames falcons
and the same language is used here. Nazar tells her that “the time has come for you to be tamed”
meaning that he was going to become her master and she becomes her pet or something similar.

4. Identify at least THREE significant aspects of Santiago’s characterization in this chapter, using
direct quote in support of each:
 1. Santiago is misogynistic at best and a rapist at worst. This is shown by his words to
Divina Flor in which he states that “the time has come for [her] to be claimed”, not
allowing for any room for discussion or even asking for consent. This shows his
misogyny but also belief in the common cultural norm that men are dominant over
women.

2. Nazar is a slightly paranoid person as he normally is carrying weapons on him or around

him. Nazar went as far as to “always [sleep]... with the weapon hidden in the pillowcase.”
This characterization is relevant because he would have been less likely to be killed had
he had his gun on him when he was attacked.

3. Despite his issues regarding his domination over women and his paranoia, Nazar was a
generally good person. This is directly claimed by the narrator that says that “Santiago
Nazar merry and peaceful, and openhearted.”

5. Examine TWO key symbols within the chapter that have not already been discussed in the
previous questions. Briefly discuss the context of each symbol, and then analyze their meaning
and how they support a main idea in the novel:

1. One symbol that has not been previously discussed is flowers. The symbol of flowers at
this point in the novel represents purity, virginity, and innocence. This symbol appears
when Nazar attempts to take the “purity” of a young girl whose last name is Flor,
meaning flower in Spanish. This symbol supports the main theme of the novel that purity
is not something that is physically taken through intercourse and is instead purity of soul.

2. One symbol that was not previously discussed are birds and what they symbolize. Birds,
within Chronicle of a Death Foretold, represent freedom and the battle for freedom due to them
being trained. Birds appear throughout the first chapter in the form of falconry and when they are
told to be caged and asleep in his room. These birds represent the main idea in the novel of
freedom and the fight for freedom.