Chronicle Of A Death Foretold

Chronicle of a Death Foretold At first glance, Garcia Marquez's novella appears to be just another murder mystery. This, however, is not the case (pun intended). The story opens with a declaration that the main character, Santiago Nasar, will ultimately meet his end. Garcia Marquez employs a very matter-of-fact tone throughout the novel. By stating the facts in such a way, he is able to create a narrator whose attitude mimics that of a journalist. The narrator remains anonymous throughout the entire novella, leaving it up to the reader to form opinions regarding the true motivations of the characters within it. Garcia Marquez paints a meaningful image of 20th century Colombia by employing several literary techniques that enhance the meaning of the text.
The descriptions of Santiago's corpse become ingrained into the memories of readers due to their graphic nature. Even the murder weapons seem to be significant merely because of the way that Garcia Marquez describes them: "One was for quartering, with a strong, rusty blade twelve inches long and three inches wide...the other one was shorter, but broad and curved...this one looked like a miniature scimitar." By using such powerful descriptors, the author foreshadows the gruesome nature of the crime, despite the fact that he has already told the reader how it will end. He creates a sense of suspense in an otherwise predetermined